THE FITNESS PLACE

Sole Fitness has been making outstanding treadmills for decades and has an outstanding reputation for producing solid, durable exercise machines. The use of Sole Fitness Treadmills at the Hilton and Omni Hotel chains proved that this reputation for making great exercise equipment was well earned. When the Hilton hotels started offering in room treadmill service they used Sole Fitness Folding Treadmills. Under these Conditions the Sole F80 proved not only its ability to be moved with ease but that it could take the abuse of continually being moved while maintaining its superior performance. If a treadmill can handle this workout, imagine how it will perform in your home gym.

When purchasing a treadmill for your home gym first consider the physical features, build quality, and durability. This treadmill has a 3.0 HP continuous duty motor while many treadmills in this price range have 2.5 HP motors. The sizable motor enables the treadmill to run quiet and smooth even while working at its fastest speed of 11 mph. Beginning with the F80 model Sole Fitness equips its treadmills wit Cushion Flex Decks. The cushion Flex deck absorbs much of the impact of the walking action while exercising, creating less stress on the hip, knee and ankle joints. The cushion flex deck runs whisper quiet and absorbs shock better than the phenolic decks on the lower end models. The Sole F80 has a 20" x 55" running deck which is nice size for walkers but some hard core runners may want a longer running deck depending on their running stride. People looking for a more challenging workout or to tone their hips and legs will like the incline feature used to simulate an uphill climb. The
Sole F80 Treadmill inclines up to 15% for a challenging lower body workout. The belt used on the walking surface is made from 2 ply double woven material that runs over 2 3/4 inch rollers. Generally speaking larger rollers reduce wear and tear on the belt giving it a longer life. The maximum user weight the Sole F80 can handle while maintaining its performance standards is 350 lbs.

In addition to the physical attributes one should also consider the program features each treadmill offers. The Sole F80 offers six preset programs you can choose from. Simply pick the program and the treadmill will speed up, slow down, incline and decline as instructed by the program. This treadmill also has two programs specifically designed to work the heart. These programs operate with heart rate monitors located on a wireless chest belt or sensors on the hand grips. Two empty programs are also available so you can customize your own workout. You can easily create an aerobic interval training program that effectively strengthens the entire cardiovascular system. You don't need to use a program at all. The speed and incline controls are found on the hand grips on the side of the treadmill so you can adjust your workout as you go. Locating these controls on the hand grips instead of the font console unit can help eliminate accidents that happen while leaning forward to make Speed and Incline adjustments.

The attractive console on the F80 is easy to read with a bright red LED display. Speed, time, distance, pulse, calories burned, and incline all display simultaneously in separate display windows enabling the user to keep track of all of their statistics at one time and help them achieve their goals without overworking. The console is also equipped with a cooling fan which is a nice addition, however, don't count on it to completely cool you down. The Speakers and MP3 plug in are also nice to have to prevent boredom during workouts and enable you to workout without wearing headphones.

The last item you should always take into account is the warranty. With the superior quality treadmills you probably don't need to worry about the warranty quite as much, but even the best fitness company can produce an occasional dud so you should make sure you are covered by a good warranty. On the F80 Treadmill, Sole Fitness has a lifetime warranty on the major parts which includes the motor, the deck and the frame. A five year warranty is offered on the electronics, belt and rollers with a 2 year warranty on labor with in home service so you don't need to transport it anywhere for repair.

When shopping for a treadmill or other type of exercise equipment you should consider your health and fitness level and how you plan to use the machine. The sole F80 Folding Treadmill is a great choice for a walker or jogger offering a generous walking surface, solid construction, steady quiet performance and easy folding assist feature to conserve space. The Sole F80 Folding Treadmill is the most popular treadmill in the Sole Fitness product line as well as being one of the highest rated treadmills on the market. A great value for the money this treadmill is highly recommended.

So the first three months of the year are over and you have managed to stick with your new exercise program, but has the journey been a smooth ride or did you hit a few bumps. And by bumps I mean the kind that you trip over and break a leg. Fitness centers in January and February are like Disney World during peak season, with crowds of new people trying out new rides. Of course at the gym these new rides can create new injuries. According to the CPSC approximately 50,000 people in the United States visit the emergency room with workout related injuries each year. Many more injured exercisers decide to treat themselves. January and February have more workout related injuries than any other month of the year, many of which can be prevented with the use of a little common sense. Does that mean that we are safe for the rest of the year? That depends on you.
treadmill and elliptical enthusiasts may be surprised to find out that the most common fitness injury reported in the United States is people falling off the back of their treadmills. This may seem a bit confusing to some since this exercise is so basic. It's just walking right? Well, the answer to that question is yes and no. treadmills are currently the most popular piece of exercise equipment in the United States which might have something to do with the higher level of reported injuries. Unfortunately a substantial number of these injuries come from people simply neglecting to use their common sense when they exercise. One issue causing these injuries is beginners feeling intimidated by the person next to them who has been working out for years. Similarly you have the group who believe they can get a swim suit body in two weeks. Instead of starting slow and gradually adding intensity they crank the treadmill up to marathon champion and either overwork their bodies or fly off the back of the treadmill because they can't keep up with the speed. Don't be fooled into thinking that treadmill injuries only happen to beginners because that is certainly not the case. Have you ever noticed a person reading a magazine or listening to music during their workout at home or at the gym? Have you ever seen what happens when the magazine or mp3 player falls? The average person would stop the treadmill, get off and recover the item or just leave it until they are finished with their workout. There are people, however, who like to multi-task and are sure they can handle it. These multi-tasking exercisers will try to pick up the dropped item while still riding the treadmill. While some succeed, for many this method provides ugly and painful results for the person and the magazine or mp3 player. So should these machines be labeled as dangerous and should we stay away? No. As with any type of exercise equipment you just need to use your head while you are exercising on them. Beginners should start their workouts at a comfortable pace and increase intensity gradually over a period of time. And no matter how experienced you are don't ever try to pick up fallen items while riding the treadmill.
Next on the list of popular workout injuries are those that happen while we workout out with weights. If you have ever worked out with free weights or a home gym you have most likely at some point overdone it and strained, sprained or pulled some part of your anatomy. This type of injury is very common and can happen to anyone regardless of age or experience. Then you have the people who actually break bones because they insist on lifting more weight than they can handle and ultimately end up dropping the dumbbells on their feet or other parts of their bodies. The lesson here is very simple. If the weights are too heavy, get smaller ones. Don't risk an injury to your back, shoulders or feet trying to be Mr. Olympia. It's not worth the medical bills and weeks of recovery time. This brings us back to the basic question: Are Weights safe? The answer is yes if you use them safely and wisely. Be sure to take it slow and get some professional advice before starting a weight lifting program.Treadmills, free weights, exercise balls, jump ropes, elastic exercise bands; all types of exercise equipment and accessories can be injuries waiting to happen if we are not careful.
So what is the lesson to be learned from all of these injuries? Should we abandon our fitness programs to prevent these accidental injuries? Definitely not! People in the U.S. are more aware than ever before of the importance and health benefits of regular exercise and proper diet. Regular exercise is essential to feeling good, looking good and maintaining good health. The fact is that a substantial number of workout injuries are the result of carelessness and the refusal to listen to what our bodies are telling us. This is not rocket science. You just have to pay attention and listen to that little voice in your head commonly referred to as your common sense. When you start an exercise program don't push it too hard, too fast. Know your fitness level and progress gradually at an even and comfortable yet challenging pace. Using an exercise ball or doing aerobics are both fantastic forms of exercise, just make sure that you are an adequate distance away from any furniture and that you have a large enough space. If you enjoy walking or jogging on a treadmill that is great too, but leave the dropped magazine where it is or get off of the machine to retrieve it. The same rule goes for taking off a shirt or warm up jacket if you get to hot. Fitness programs are a great thing and no matter what type of exercise you enjoy, just make sure that you are participating in some type of fitness program. The bottom line is this: If you want to have an effective and safe workout, start by exercising the strongest muscle you have, your brain.

For many years the Treadmill has occupied the number one spot as the most popular form of exercise equipment on the market. The Elliptical trainer, however, has been rapidly gaining popularity and is now catching up with the treadmill. The escalation of the elliptical trainer in popularity has brought up the now common question; should I get an elliptical trainer or a treadmill? Which one is best?
The fact is that they are both wonderful forms of exercise apparatus. Ellipticals and Treadmills both offer an effective cardiovascular workout to strengthen the cardiovascular system and aid in the avoidance of health issues such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Many experts believe that both are equally successful in burning calories. So what is the difference? Let's take a closer look.

Treadmills
Anyone that can walk can use a treadmill. It offers a form of exercise that virtually anybody can feel comfortable with because it is a normal activity people do daily. Walking and running are the most popular forms of exercise individuals engage in which accounts for the treadmill's enormous popularity. Treadmills can also simulate hill climbing by modifying the incline and intensity for a more intense workout for the hips and legs. One limitation of the treadmill though, is that it works only the hips and legs. The user can include the shoulders and arms, however, by holding dumbbells and swinging the arms.
Another aspect to consider about exercising on a treadmill is that walking and running are forms of impact exercise that can create varying degrees of impact on the lower body joints, especially the hips, knees and ankles. This can have a significant effect on individuals, especially seniors, that may experience lower joint pain. Impact exercise is not always a bad thing. The impact experienced while exercising on a treadmill can help to create higher bone density which in turn results in stronger bones. Building greater bone density is very important, particularly for females who are more likely to suffer from health problems such as osteoporosis as they get older.
The ultimate goal you are wanting to achieve is also an important factor in determining if a treadmill is the right choice for you. If you are an avid runner training for a run you will want a workout that best mimics real running so a treadmill could be the ideal choice.

Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical trainers have increased enormously in popularity due to their fluid motion which causes little impact on the lower body. Elliptical trainers are sometimes preferred by people with lower joint pain and trainers handling patients going through rehabilitation from knee and hip injuries due to the lack of impact which works the muscles of the lower body without putting stress on the joints. This lack of impact also results in significantly less injuries than with treadmills and less wear and tear on the equipment itself.
Elliptical trainers also have handle bars which offer a workout for the upper body. Therefore, users are able to get a full body workout rather than just exercising the lower body. This also allows for a more effective cardiovascular workout as users are able to achieve their target heart rate in less time due to the use of the upper and lower body simultaneously. Many elliptical trainers also feature reverse motion which allows the user to pedal in reverse working a different set of muscles. Pedaling backwards enables targeting of the quadriceps which is difficult to achieve using a treadmill.
Many physiologists have found that the physical response of the body to treadmill and elliptical workouts is nearly identical. The lack of impact on the hips and legs during the elliptical workout, however, gives the user the perception of less effort exerted to burn the same amount of calories. This is commonly referred to as "lower perceived exertion" and can create the feeling of a less strenuous and more enjoyable workout. This can be an important factor in staying with an exercise program.
So Is One Better?
The bottom line is that treadmills and elliptical trainers both supply exceptional cardiovascular workouts and are wonderful choices for most fitness programs. The choice is a matter of preference and matching fitness or rehabilitation goals to the equipment you choose. Make sure you take into account your future goal, your physical condition and what type of workout you feel most comfortable with and are most likely to stay with when deciding on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. You can achieve an effective workout no matter what you decide. Always remember though, the results you get are dependent on the effort that you put in.

For additional information on treadmills and elliptical trainers visit The Exercise Connoisseur.

With health concerns such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes on the rise, aerobic exercise has come to be a major topic in health news across the nation. In a perfect world aerobic and anaerobic (muscle building) exercise should be combined to make a well rounded fitness program. It is possible to be in fantastic muscular shape yet lack endurance as the result of a lack of aerobic exercise in your exercise program. Aerobic exercise carries numerous health benefits that weight training alone can't achieve.

Aerobic exercise is activity of low intensity performed for an extended period of time that escalates the heart rate and level of oxygen in the blood. The goal of aerobic activity is to achieve and sustain a target heart rate determined for females by subtracting their age from 220 then multiplying by a factor of 60% and for males by subtracting their age from 226 then multiplying by a factor of 60%. Intermediate and advanced level exercisers should multiply by a factor of 80%.

When an individual starts working out their body initially burns glycogen for the energy it needs. As you attain and uphold your target heart rate the body switches to utilizing fat stores to supply its energy source which can result in burning off excess fat for significant weight loss. This may reduce, eliminate or prevent the occurrence of obesity and the numerous health problems that it can trigger such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Another major benefit of aerobic exercise is strengthening of the heart muscle. When the heart is strengthened it increases the blood flow to the body and it is able to handle more strenuous activity without needing to beat as quickly. This is a key factor in preventing heart disease and high blood pressure.

The resultant escalation in blood flow allows increased oxygen to be carried to the muscles and more waste products, that may cause muscle aches and pains, to be carried away. You may also notice an increase in the HDL or good cholesterol and a decrease in LDL or bad cholesterol which helps prevent plaque from building up in the arteries.

Aerobic activity also causes the body to release endorphins which result in a sense of well being and act as a natural pain killer. Over an extended period of time exercisers will frequently notice an increase in stamina and a decrease in feelings of fatigue as well as a decrease in tension and stress.

additionally, men and women who workout on a regular basis tend to sleep better and have stronger immune systems which helps to prevent infection from common colds and flu viruses. Some researchers believe that aerobic exercise can decrease cognitive decline in older adults and provide a longer and healthier life.

the majority of experts think that the average person should engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of continuous aerobic activity at least 3 to 4 times per week. This activity can be walking, dancing, swimming, biking or any other low impact activity that helps you achieve and maintain the target heart rate.

The key to starting an aerobic fitness plan is to start slow. If you can only manage walking 5-10 minutes a day, begin with that and step up by 1-2 minutes every 2-3 days until you build up to 30 minutes of uninterrupted aerobic walking daily. No matter what type of activity you select you ought to keep a challenging yet comfortable pace and increase your workouts by minute amounts at consistent intervals.

Make sure that you design a workout schedule to keep you on track and choose activities that fit with your personality and are enjoyable for you to do. If you dislike the specific activity you decide on, you probably won't stick with it. It may seem trivial but having the proper exercise attire can greatly affect your workout experience also. Your shoes must suit the activity you are engaging in and your clothing should be materials that breathe to provide maximum comfort during your workout and prevent the body from overheating.

finally, set goals for yourself, both long and short term and relish in the achievement of each one. To provide the encouragement you require and increase the fun, get your family and friends involved as well. Incorporating relatives and friends into your exercise routines will make it much easier to make regular exercise a natural part of your daily routine.

So start now. It does not make a difference if you dance, walk on a treadmill, use an Elliptical machine, or ride a bike; aerobic exercise will improve your health and quality of life and help you to live longer and happier. Don't wait! It's a matter of life and health!