The Benefits of Exercise and Proper Fitness Equipment Selection

Regular exercise and increased physical activity can add years to your life and help you feel and look younger. A well-rounded exercise routine will include a combination of cardiovascular activity and strength training using quality exercise equipment and accessories. The proper selection of fitness equipment and flooring products is an essential component to any exercise regimen for optimum results. Ironcompany.com, a leading online supplier of commercial fitness equipment for GSA contracts, can help you attain your fitness goals. With a state-of-the-art website, Ironcompany.com provides an easy shopping experience featuring a huge selection of gym equipment, free weights, exercise machines, and rubber flooring products. Need a question answered? Not sure which piece of equipment to purchase? Their friendly staff will assist you with any of your needs and help you obtain the right type of equipment all offered at great values. Ironcompany.com has provided commercial treadmills and cardio equipment, free weights, weight stack machines, and athletic flooring products to over 50 military bases in the United States. From Ft. Bragg, North Carolina to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan Ironcompany.com proudly serves our men and woman in uniform that are stationed around the globe.

Cardiovascular Exercise

The benefits of cardiovascular exercise cannot be overstated. By performing cardio exercise on a regular basis, your body gains stamina and endurance and becomes more efficient at burning calories. Another benefit is a more efficient metabolism and a strengthening of the immune system. Cardiovascular exercise can also reduce stress and improve self-esteem.

There are several types of cardio equipment on the market today. Treadmills, exercise bikes, and elliptical trainers are the most popular choices for cardio exercise and are excellent for building cardio endurance and are easy to use as well. Ironcompany.com has an awesome selection of commercial treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical trainers. Remember, when you choose your cardio equipment, choose wisely. Get a quality piece of cardio equipment that will provide you the results you are looking for and fit your specific needs. If you have knee problems, then an exercise bike is an excellent choice. Ironcompany.com offers upright bikes, recumbent bikes, and the popular indoor cycle bike used in spinning classes. If you prefer walking or running, then check out Ironcompany's commercial treadmills with computer control panels and built-in programs. They also offer several types of equipment mats and athletic flooring surfaces to help absorb shock and protect flooring surfaces.

Strength Training

If you want to change your overall look and become more tone, then the importance of strength training should not be underestimated. Strength training has been proven to benefit young athletes to seniors. Women, in particular, see tremendous benefits from strength training. . If you desire that "ripped" look, then strength training is absolutely vital if you want to change the visual appearance of your body. Another added benefit is that strength training creates strong muscle and strengthens ligaments and tendons, which serve to support our joints and decrease the possibility of injury from other activities.

Wouldn't it be great if you could burn more calories throughout the day, even while relaxing? Well, you can make this happen if you strength train. The fact is, the more muscle mass you possess, the more calories you will naturally burn. So get up and start pumping that iron. Don't forget that muscle weighs approximately 3 times more than fat, so if you have embarked on a fitness regimen of strength training, cardio exercise and a healthy diet don't be dismayed if the scale goes up instead of down. A good way to measure your progress is by using a tape measure to keep track of your results. Measure your arms, thighs, waist, hips, and calves and keep a weekly log of your progress.

The proper selection of strength training equipment depends on several factors including, age, fitness goals, health, and budget. One of the most common questions in the fitness industry today is whether to perform strength training using free weights or machines.

Free Weight Equipment

The major advantage of free weights is that they are more efficient in strengthening the whole body. You can perform a wide variety of upper and lower body exercises using just a set of dumbbells. A dumbbell or barbell set is also usually less expensive than a weight machine. Using free weights also gives you the ability to imitate real life or sports related motions. Weight machines essentially guide your range of movement; however, free weights provide the user with a free range of motion. This brings us to the disadvantage of using free weights: safety. Free weights require a much greater amount of control by the user to avoid injury to muscles and joints. Proper technique and the use of the correct amount of weight are very important safety concerns when using free weights.
The most popular free weights are dumbbells and barbells. Dumbbells can be either fixed weight or adjustable with weight plates that can be switched out.

The most popular dumbbells are pro-style fixed weight dumbbells. At Ironcompany, we offer an awesome selection of free weights, dumbbells and dumbbell sets from 5 to 200 lbs. by top manufacturers like Ivanko, Troy, and Cemco in several types of materials including cast iron, rubber-coated, urethane, chrome, and solid steel for low maintenance.

Weight Machines

A weight machine can provide an excellent, safe workout. The main advantage of strength training using machines is ease of use and safety. Because the machines guide your path of resistance, there is less danger of being trapped or injured. You can also safely exercise without the assistance of a spotter. You may be more inclined to lift heavier because a machine is typically safer than going heavy with free weights. You can also make changes to the weight quickly and easily. Weight machines are typically more expensive than purchasing free weights which is a consideration if you are setting up a home gym; however, the investment can be well worth it when you see the results they can provide.

There are two types of weight machines: Single exercise machines that are designed for a specific muscle or exercise and multi-use exercise machines like a home gym or smith machine. Each of these types of weight machines can have a weight stack or accept weight plates. The obvious advantage to a weight stack or selectorized machine is the ability to quickly switch weights. The stack is usually held in place by a pin, and the simple movement of the pin can add or subtract from the weight stack. Free weight machines require the addition or subtraction of weight plates each time you desire a change.

Athletic Flooring

Let's not forget the importance of a proper athletic flooring surface to protect your equipment, flooring surfaces, and help absorb shock and static electricity. Ironcompany.com also specializes in athletic flooring surfaces for weight rooms, gyms, locker rooms, and fitness facilities including interlocking rubber flooring, rubber sports rolls, shower tiles, aerobic tiles, fitness mats, equipment mats, and flooring supplies all at great prices.

How to Lose Weight

Your pants are a bit tight, you can't seem to stop eating junk, and you're tired all of the time. It's time to get healthy and lose weight. Combined with a more sensible diet, an exercise bike can help you achieve the results you want.

Ugh, the Diet.

So many people go wrong here. Forget fad diets, forget starvation. Slow and steady wins the race. Try changing one thing about your diet. Limit yourself to one soda a day. Stop skipping meals. If you always clean your plate, start leaving one or two bites. A total change in diet is work. If you go for a radical change, you are setting yourself up for failure. You'll be surprised how well small changes work.

The Right Bike Determines Your Success

This is a critically important part. There are literally hundreds of exercise bikes available. You have to be honest with yourself to discover the one that will work best for you. If you talk yourself into some fantasy world where your exercise plan is going to work this time even though there's nothing different, you're going to be disappointed. If you think ahead, you will buy the right bike for your needs. You will end up with a successful long-term exercise routine.

Think back to your last exercise routine attempt. Why did you stop? Did you suffer an injury? Did you get bored? Was it just too hard to do every day? Was it hard to find the time? Answer these questions truthfully. If you don't figure out where you went wrong, you won't be able to come up with a solution.

Avoiding and Working Through Injuries

If an injury caused you to stop working out, how did you sustain your injury? Becoming physically fit is supposed to help you prevent injuries, not cause them. There is an exercise bike for someone who has been injured working out. It's called a recumbent exercise bike. It's the kind found in a lot of health clubs. It has a large, bucket seat, and you sit back and low to the ground. It is perfect for people beginning a new exercise routine. It's also very good for back problems as it forces you to keep good posture. It puts no pressure on your joints, and you can keep working out even if you have minor injuries.

Overcoming Boredom

Did you get bored the last time you tried to workout on a regular basis? If you did, you are likely to get bored again. With exercise bikes, the solution is usually a bike with several different levels and riding programs. You can get bikes with different difficulty levels. This means that when it becomes too easy for you to pedal, you simply move up to the next level instead of having to ride longer (which just isn't likely to happen for the person who is easily bored). You can also get different programs. Programs give you variety and goals. They make you pedal harder, simulate conquering hills, and even sprinting for short periods.

Riding programs might not be enough for you. You might need a bike that you can hook up to your television that simulates riding through different courses. You can take a leisurely ride through a park or compete with other computer riders on a difficult obstacle course. These bikes might cost more up front, but if you don't invest in a bike that will let you sustain your workout, you're wasting money on anything less.

The coolest thing for game addicts who get bored is an interactive bike that plugs into a Sony Playstation or Playstation 2. It makes over 50 games interactive. Whatever is happening on your bike happens on the screen in bike, car, and similar games. There are all types of similar bikes available.

If you plan on listening to music or watching TV while you cycle, be sure to pay attention to features that will make the exercise bike quieter. It's also a good idea to get a quieter bike if you live with other people. For all you know, your workout time is going to be 5AM or midnight. A quieter bike won't disturb other people in your home.

Don't Try to Be Lance Armstrong Yet...

People beginning exercise programs are sometimes too ambitious. It's good to be excited, but you have to remain realistic. If your last exercise program failed because it was just too much work, don't make the same mistake again. Fight the urge to overdo your first workouts. It is critical to your long-term success that you start out slow. If you go from no exercise at all to 5 to 10 minute exercise bike workouts with little resistance, you are much more likely to avoid injury, soreness, and most of all, early feelings of defeat. If you aim too high - expecting to go from a sedentary lifestyle to 45 minute workouts immediately, for example - you are setting yourself up for failure. When you don't reach your unattainable goal, it is more likely you'll quit altogether to alleviate the feeling of failure that much sooner.

The perfect bikes for people who get a bit over-excited are exercise bikes with built in riding programs. You simply start out at the lowest level, and the bike determines your workout. You program in a small goal (10 minutes, 50 calories, or .25 mile) and when you reach that goal, your workout is over.

Finding the Time

You do have time to burn fat and calories on an exercise bike. No matter how intense your schedule is, there are people busier than you who find time to make an exercise routine work. They are not better than you. They don't have more than 24 hours in a day. They simply figured out how to make it work. You can, too.

It can be as simple as the time of day you chose to workout in the past. There is scientific evidence that people who are "morning people" or "night owls" are physically different. Different people have energy at different times. Think about when you work best. If you wake up without an alarm clock ready to go, you should exercise first thing in the morning. If you are a night owl, you should consider working out at night. You might find that you are one of the people who tire yourself out enough with a night workout to sleep like a baby.

You Can Do This!

Losing weight is not a punishment. You are smart enough to know how to eat a little better and become more active. If you are honest with yourself, you will choose the proper bike. You want to look forward to the workout itself. Don't get caught up in which bike burns more calories. Find an exercise bike you will enjoy riding. Figure out the time of day that's best for you to exercise. Make it like getting dressed or bathing - it's just something you do every day. You don't have to train for the Tour de France. You just have to get on and do something every day. Ten minutes a day will yield results. Bookmark this article for future motivation, find your exercise bike, and get busy!

Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills

You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are hundreds of pieces of home cardio equipment available. The most popular are treadmills and exercise bikes. In deciding between the two, you should compare long-term sustainability, the effectiveness of the workouts, and safety.

Overcoming Boredom

The biggest obstacle to a home exercise routine is sticking with it. You don't have to drive to a gym, so your home fitness equipment is more convenient. The problem is that other distractions are just as convenient at home. The key is to make your routine fun. You want to look forward to your daily workout. You have to be realistic. Playing with the heart rate monitor or watching the calorie counter go up will only be fun the first couple of times you exercise.

o Treadmill vs. Boredom

On a treadmill, you walk. Walking isn't that fun. You can walk at different speeds, but that isn't really much more fun. If you get a treadmill that offers an incline, that keeps it a bit more interesting. Walking uphill isn't exactly fun, but it's different. It presents a challenge.

You can't really read on a treadmill because you are bouncing up and down. You can't keep your eyes on the same sentence, and you usually end up with a headache. Basically, the only thing fun to do on a treadmill is watch television or movies. If you are really into TV or movies and are able to put your treadmill in front of a television, you can probably keep your treadmill workout from becoming too boring. Problems consist of commercials, the noise coming from the machine, and again, the bouncing.

o Exercise Bikes vs. Boredom

Exercise bikes are unique in that many of them come programmed with various biking routines. You simulate different courses that require you to sprint, pedal uphill, and perform at different levels within one workout without having to keep pressing buttons and changing everything. You can even select random programs so you don't know what's coming, which really keeps you on your toes. Some exercise bikes can even be plugged into televisions and video games to let you interactively pedal through visual courses.

On upright exercise bikes, you run into some of the same problems as treadmills as far as reading is concerned. Recumbent bikes, however, allow your hands to be free to hold a book or magazine, video game controller, or phone. Multi-tasking during an exercise bike workout keeps it from becoming boring and allows your workout to more easily fit into a busy schedule.

Defeating boredom to successfully keep up a long-term exercise routine is much easier with an exercise bike than a treadmill.

The Calorie Factor

In a study conducted by Nordic Track, young, healthy people used various exercise machines and did cardio workouts. Although they felt they used the same intensity on all machines, they burned the most calories on treadmills and ski machines.

On average, most people burn about 750 calories per hour on a treadmill. The same people are likely to burn about 550 calories per hour on an exercise bike. So it's a no-brainer, right? You should get a treadmill because they burn more calories.

Well, not exactly. You can't get so caught up in which machine burns the most calories. You have to take a lot of other factors into consideration. How likely are you to sustain a treadmill routine as opposed to an exercise bike routine?

Because exercise bikes are usually more fun than treadmills, you are much more likely to stick with it long-term. This means that even though you can burn more calories on a treadmill, you are also more likely to stop using it altogether.

You might also find it difficult to use it long enough per workout session to get the full benefits. Most people find it easier to workout for 20 minutes on an exercise bike than 20 minutes on a treadmill. You have to think about that. If you are likely to only do 10 minutes on a treadmill but can easily do 20 minutes on an exercise bike, you will burn more calories per session on an exercise bike.

So just going strictly by the numbers, treadmills burn more calories. If you easily get bored or have tried and failed to stick with exercise routines in the past, you might want to consider burning less calories per hour in favor of a sustainable long-term exercise bike regimen.

Your Safety

The biggest difference between exercise bikes and treadmills is overall safety to your body.

The first case of safety is the most basic. You can fall off of a treadmill. It's very difficult, however, to fall off of an exercise bike. In fact, you would probably have to try to fall when riding an exercise bike. While you might be thinking you'd have to be pretty clumsy to fall while walking, it happens more than you'd think. People get involved with watching television or the beat of music. One wrong step and you can seriously injure yourself. It's also possible to spill water or sweat on the treadmill track, causing a safety hazard you might not notice until after you've slipped.

Another safety hazard is injury from the activity itself. A treadmill puts quite a bit of stress on your joints, especially your knees and ankles. Even if you invest in a treadmill with some degree of shock absorption, when you eventually get to a jogging or running point, you can put severe orthopedic stress on your body, even up to three times your body weight. People with existing conditions such as arthritis will find a treadmill painful at times due to this stress. Otherwise healthy individuals can sustain injury and possible long-term damage over time.

Exercise bikes put much less stress on your joints. A properly positioned exercise bike supports your weight and still allows you to receive the benefits of a higher impact cardio workout. Upright bikes can sometimes stress your back in the way you have to bend to reach the handlebars. Recumbent exercise bikes, however, can actually improve existing back pain by forcing proper posture and giving support as you exercise. On any exercise bike properly used, your knees and ankles are not stressed as they are on a treadmill.

The less you stress joints, the less likely you are to sustain an injury during your workout. You are also less likely to be sore afterwards. Most importantly, a non-workout injury doesn't always have to halt your exercise routine on an exercise bike. If you hurt your back or neck, you will find the support of a recumbent exercise bike will keep you from having to stop your exercise regimen altogether. Let's face it - if you have to stop, you are less likely to start again.

An Exercise Bike is Better for Your Health than a Treadmill

As you can see, both pieces of home fitness equipment have advantages. While the treadmill continues to be the most popular piece of home gym equipment, most people are more likely to faithfully use an exercise bike. This means you're more likely to have to dust a treadmill until it gets the garage sale sticker.

Exercise Bikes, No Gym Membership Required

If you have been considering the purchase of an exercise bike, there are several factors you should consider before taking the plunge. First and foremost, you have to find a place in your home to park it.

Next, you need to decide whether you want a recumbent bike, a semi-recumbent bike or a standard upright bike. Of course, you can purchase two or all three, but then we're talking real money...

Once you have decided which type of bike to purchase, there's still some homework to do.

The best way to determine the quality of any individual bike is to check out Consumer Reports and unreimbursed consumer reviews - probably online for convenience.

Checking out Reviews

In addition to checking out reviews online, you can also ask among your family and friends or at a local health club.

Weigh such features as performance, function, and quality of construction. While many exercise bikes come with warranties, it is a case of buyer beware.

What to Look For

One of the first things to evaluate when choosing an exercise bike is comfort. Ideally, you should be able to sit comfortably in an easily-adjustable seat.

If you can't use the exercise bike in comfort, odds are high are you aren't going to use beyond week one. And if you can't adjust the seat, you are not likely to feel comfortable in it - another deterrent to long-term use.

While checking out reviews, keep an eye open for discount offers while scouring the Internet. This can save you a substantial amount of money.

And even if you don't find a lower cost bike, you will at least have a good idea of the fair market pricing of the exercise bike that has your attention.

Have Realistic Expectations

If you read reviews that sound like they were written by somebody trying to sell you something, you can almost be certain they were. All bikes have pro's and con's, so be realistic.

Knowing potential flaws associated with a specific exercise bike as well as the benefits can help you to make an informed decision, as well as prevent ugly surprises after your purchase.

Additional Exercise Bike Options

If you don't have Internet access or even if you just prefer a more personal approach to shopping around, you should consider checking out your local gym for recommendations and general information about exercise bikes.

Alternatively, if you can't afford to purchase a bike or simply don't have the space, joining a nearby gym can be a viable alternative.

Smart Tips in Choosing Mini Exercise Bike

Having your own exercise at your home will be a great alternative you can have especially if you have any difficulties with your limited time. Here, you will need a compact and also heavy-duty exercise that will help you to have your home exercise. Due to the size of the exercise bike that is widely designed in large and big dimension, you need mini exercise bike that you can easily purchase and also keep in your small apartment or house. Choosing the proper mini exercise bike can be difficult things to have if you do not know the right way. You will need some tips and also information that will help you to find it.

First, if you are looking for the best exercise bike for your needs, you can try to search it in the internet on some offers or products which are available today. Here, you will have large variations of this product in various range of prices and also features. There are the motorized ones or non-motorized ones that you can choose based on your needs. Instead of searching for the available models, you also need to search on some reviews and also rating pages that will help you to find the high quality and also ultimate products. You will get the price and also features comparison to help you make the best decision of products you will need to purchase.

Moreover, if you already have certain brand name or series of this products, you can straight forward to the exact web that will give you products reviews and also specifications. However, if you find those products in the local store, you can directly purchase it instead of purchasing it in the online store. Here, you will get the benefits of having the right products that you can test and try directly before you pay it.

How To Choose the Best Exercise Bike For You

Buying an exercise bike? An exercise bike is an excellent way to build fitness, lose weight and get fit. Plus they're convenient and one of the most comfortable to burn calories in the comfort of your own home.

But how do you choose the best one? This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping so you can find thebest exercise bike for your needs - while avoiding the lemons!

First, ask yourself which class of exercise bike you would like. There are 2 general classes of exercise bikes:

1) Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes are the newer exercise bikes on the market with the chair-like or bucket seats. Your body is placed in a semi reclining position and your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of hanging down as on an upright bike.

2) Upright Bikes

These are also called "Stationary bikes" although this term is now becoming a catch all term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bikes.

An offshoot of the standard upright bike is the 'Dual Action' Stationary bike. These bikes have movable bars or levers on arm handles to incorporate your upper body into the workout.

Know what you want before you start comparing different exercise bikes. Personally I've owned both and after a while upright exercise bike seats just don't feel too comfortable if you know what I mean. But the choice is yours.

The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for your exercise bike?

There are really 3 price categories:

1) Under $500

2) Between $500 - 1000

3) $1000 +

Under $500: While there are some above average exercise bikes under $500, don't expect to get a top quality machine for this price. If you don't plan on using your exercise cycle much or if you're on a budget, this may be a good price point for you.

Between $500 - $1000: Unlike treadmills or elliptical trainers, you can usually get a very solid, higher quality exercise bike for your home in this category. Most exercise bikes in this category offer magnetic resistance and high grade consoles that give you feedback on your workout. You should also expect several built-in workout programs, foot straps and heart rate monitors.

$1000 +: These exercise bikes are either the cream of the crop for the advanced home exerciser or they are commercial grade for the health club. Examples of bikes in this category include spinners and commercial bikes like Life Cycle, Kettler and Star Trac.

Always remember that with exercise bikes - in general - you do get what you pay for so try to spend the most that you can and get a high quality machine that will last you.

These are really the 2 most important features to decide on: the type of bike and the price you can afford. Here are a few more features you should know about when choosing an exercise bike.

Resistance

There are several different types of resistance you'll find in your exercise bike

1) Direct Tension - offers you a manual adjustment of resistance

2) Air - resistance is provided by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade

3) Magnetic Resistance - this is the most sophisticated type of resistance allowing magnetic currents to create and track the resistance. It generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels.

Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.

Workout Options

Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated you go, you'll also find things like total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode.

You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.

It really depends on your personal preferences whether you choose a bike with 10 preset programs and an ultra high tech computer display or one with just a simple display.

However, keep in mind that in general, the higher priced bikes have more sophisticated options and are built with higher quality materials.

Warranty

Exercise Bikes come with a variety of warranties from 90 days to lifetime warranties on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine.

Final Note: It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. For example, if you are new to exercising and not sure you'll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a more economical model.

If however you plan on using the bike a lot and/or are a regular exerciser, invest a bit more and get a machine that will last. Look for a high quality brand that is highly rated and gives you good value for your money.

By keeping these tips in mind when buying your exercise bike, you're much more likely to find one that best fits your workout needs. Good luck!

All About Exercise Bikes You Need to Learn

An exercise bike is one great choices of fitness equipment you need to consider for your home fitness activities. By using these bikes you will have potential alternative in having cardiovascular exercise, body muscle building and any other exercise program. It will be the easiest alternative among any other fitness equipment choices that are available in the today market. You can choose them in various ranges of sizes and also prices that you can fix with your needs. Before, getting the proper choices that you are going to buy you need to consider some prominent matters as you can read bellow.

First, you will have some prominent features such as the calories, time and also distance display. You will also able to monitor your heart rate that is supported with other accessories such as shelves and also bottle water. By choosing this bike, you will get the benefits of orthopedic effect and also the poor balance that will help to treat you from some injuries. Instead of those issues, you will also get a cardiovascular workout that will require a lot pressure in your feet, knees and also ankles. You also need to find out that this equipment will need a time frame in its operation. You will need to estimate the length of the exercise for about one hour to help you get a healthy exercise. Instead of those issues, you also need to remember that there are three types of exercise bike that you can choose today. There are upright, recumbent and also spinner.

Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike

The latest model to the Schwinn recumbent exercise bike line is the Schwinn 240 recumbent bike, which adds several features that raises the comfort level of the bike. With some additional features, the whole workout you receive with this new model is nice, while keeping the benefits of the ergonomic design in tact. This way, you won't have as many excuses to use to put off exercising!

Being able to read the LCD screen with ease is one example. It is totally annoying to have to always have to strain, even having to slow down at times, to read the data on the screen. Most people want to keep track of their heart rate and how much more time before the can stop no matter which of the 17 built-in programs you are using. You can do this when the LCD screen can easily be seen. With a multicolored screen, that is also back lit, it is much easier to see the important data that the Schwinn Bio-Connect Feedback system is providing. You realize how far technology has come as it was not that long ago no exercise bike even had an LCD screen.

Nothing is more significant than the comfortable seating, and this recumbent bike has a nice, large cushioned seat. All the benefits of an exercise program can be lost if you are not comfortable and your seat hurts. The Schwinn 240 recumbent bike features the famous Scwhinn Bio-Fit Comfort with padded ergonomic adjustable seat, and the back support also move to two different positions giving you the best support and comfort tied into one machine.

For many people it is the extra added accessories affect the use of a piece of exercise equipment. One of these features on the Schwinn 240 is a convenient reading rack that is large enough for a book or magazine. You would think a water bottle holder would be standard, as keeping hydrated while exercising is important. Not to worry, this model includes a water bottle holder! Although less important for a home piece of equipment than in a gym, the storage basket underneath the seat give you a handy place for your towel. For many the best accessory they like will be the wheels, so the bike can be stored in an out of the way place, but then easily brought out to use.

Schwinn likes to say they combine value and versatility and that is the case with all the Bio-Dyne performance features that really make this popular exercise bike comfortable and simple to use.

It is never too late to get yourself in better shape and get your youthful energy back with a Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike.

The Benefits of Exercise Bike

Exercise bike or stationary bikes are prominent choices of fitness equipment you need to consider for your exercise. There are two prominent types of bikes, the upright and recumbent bikes. All of them will give you the supportive program, various resistance levels and also comfortable seat position to help you reach the purpose of the exercise. You will get millions of benefits by having exercise with this equipment. First, you will have great stamina by having regular exercise with this bike. You can improve your strength by experiencing the different levels of resistance in this bike. Here, you will be able to burn more calories that will make your weight loss program become effective.

Instead of that fact above, you will also have a great flexibility because the elongated ovals will allow you to stretch out your ligaments in your thighs. In this way, this equipment will help you to build the stamina and also flexibility that you can get by focusing your exercise on your stationary bikes. Moreover, you will get low impact and easy joints compared with any other exercise you can have such as jogging or running. This equipment will give you the weather resistant benefits that will make you able to exercise during the snow or rain condition. It is released in compact and also small size that will fit with your small apartment and also home. You will easily to keep it by folding it up and put it under your furniture. Moreover, you will have unlimited time of your exercise because you can do multitask while riding it. Instead of that fact you also need to consider the doctor suggestion about the right exercise that you need to have based on the problem, injuries and also diet program that you have.

Mini Stationary Exercise Bikes

What exactly are mini stationary exercise bikes, and can they possible deliver an effective workout? This is a very common question for consumers looking to get a good home exercise product at the best value possible. Since mini bikes cost a small fraction of what even the lowest priced full sized bikes run for, it is tempting for many people to just go with the foot power in the mini bike. So, is this a wise decision or one you may regret?

For the most part, it is a money-saving decision that could make you extremely happy in the end. Stationary mini exercise bikes can deliver a very intense, fat burning workout if you put the intensity required into each and every workout session. It is just like working out on any other type of equipment: the more effort and consistency you put into it the more you are going to get back out of it.

When it comes to burning calories and losing weight or toning up, the faster you pedal and the more you incorporate other parts of your body the more you are going to burn and ultimately the more weight you are going to lose. This is the greatest perk of the mini bike: it frees up your arms so you can either pump dumbbells or lift them up in different directions to increase your overall calorie burn.

The most popular option right now is the Magnetrainer mini exercise bike. It is light and compact enough to be stored literally anywhere in your home, or even to go along with you to work or on vacation. Yet, it is extremely stable and provides ample resistance to ensure you get the most for your efforts.

The Magnetrainer ER allows your legs to rotate in a full extension just like operating a full sized bike, and it is only 20 inches when fully stretched out!

Another option is the Medline portable mini exercise bike. It is even more compact due to having less of a body around the pedals. It is great for sitting under a desk while you work or for those who have very limited range of motion and need something very small.

Mini stationary bikes may just be the very bottom part of a full sized bike, but they can deliver a workout just as powerful if you put out the effort to get the results you really want.

Mini stationary exercise bikes are also great for those who are unable to get out of bed or off the couch completely, since they allow you to sit on the edge of wherever you happen to be and pedal away. They are affordable for any limited budget and are definitely worth considering before you make a more substantial purchase.

Making the Best Out of an Exercise Upright Bike

Exercising regularly is becoming really important for all of us these days. This is mainly due to the reason that increasing pollution and competition are really having a dampening effect on our health. So, remaining fit becomes really important for us. However, visiting gymnasiums and fitness centers everyday is also not easy. But there are several other ways of keeping fit and healthy. Working out on an exercise bike is also a good option for you.

Well, we all know that cycling is an excellent work out for our entire body. Especially, it helps in building up the lower body muscles and also helps in improving our cardiovascular body system. I would like to tell you that a stationery cycle would also help you a lot in losing excessive weight and staying fit. Now, let us talk about an upright bike. Well, it is a simple stationery cycle in which we sit upright and the crucial pedals are exactly located below the upper half of our body.

Using an upright exercise bike is not at all easy. However, now we are going to provide you some crucial points to make the best out of an exercise bike.

1. The basic thing that you need to do is to alter the exercise cycle to match up to your body. You should be able to work out in the best possible way. You also need to bend your knee slightly. The first step is a really important one in this entire process.

2. You need to sit on the bike absolutely tall and upright so that you are easily able to work out your hip muscles. Offer force to pedals from your legs and lower parts of the body.

3. Lean forward and work out as hard as possible. You need to work hard in order to generate the best possible results.

4. Once you have purchased an exercise bike you need to try different positions and courses. You need to be extremely hard working in this process. Several pre-installed programs exist in this machine. So, you need to make full use of such programs.

5. You need to wear comfortable shoes while working out. This is done in order to ensure proper comfort during exercise. Make sure that you carry a water bottle along with you.

Best Machine For Rehabilitating a Knee Injury

A knee injury is no laughing matter. While it's natural to want to rehabilitate an injured knee as quickly as possible, it's also important to to go about it the right way. All too often, people with injured knees become overzealous and actually prolong the severity of their injuries by engaging in exercises that exacerbate the problem. One of the key things to keep in mind when it comes to healing a knee injury is that low-impact exercises are always best. You should avoid jarring, extreme movements at all costs. The right exercise equipment can help you heal your knee injury a lot more quickly; find out what the best one is below.

The Wrong Equipment can Worsen a Knee Injury

In order to pinpoint the right kind of exercise equipment to use when rehabilitating an injured knee, it helps to rule out less-than-beneficial equipment first. By keeping the importance of low-impact exercises in mind, it's fairly easy to zero in on the most effective types of equipment. If it turns out that you already have the right equipment at home, you're good to go; if not, investing in the right kind is well worth it. After all, regular, careful exercise can help strengthen the muscles that support your knee, allowing it to heal that much faster.

Treadmills: Too Risky

If low-impact exercises are essential for rehabilitating an injured knee, a treadmill is not the best option. Treadmills are versatile, to be sure; however, it's all too easy to get carried away and inadvertently jar or jostle your knee. Also, you'll be putting extra weight on your knee while working out on this type of equipment - and that's far from ideal.

Elliptical Machines: Too Intense

As a cross between a stationary bike and a stair climber, an elliptical machine offers a topnotch cardiovascular workout. However, it's not an ideal choice for rehabilitating an injured knee. The constant up-and-down motion that's involved in using one can needlessly over-stress a knee that is already weak and injured. Like treadmills, it's easy to get wrapped up in the moment when using elliptical machines, a phenomenon that causes more harm than good.

Exercise Bikes: Too Inconsistent

When adjusted the right way, an exercise bike can be a suitable choice for strengthening and rehabilitating an injured knee. However, it's difficult to tell whether you've set one up properly. The trick to doing so is adjusting the seat properly. Ideally, your knee shouldn't bend beyond a 90-degree angle; it should be slightly bent when the pedal is pushed as far as it can go. If exercise bikes aren't adjusted properly, an existing injury can be exacerbated.

Mini Exercise Bike and Exercise DVD Great Additions to Our Senior (And Boomer) Fitness Equipment!

My senior mom is great about regular fitness and bodybuilding exercises to help herself stay healthier. After some research into natural osteoporosis prevention and treatment, I learned that exercises for older (and younger) women and men is a key component, so I'm doing better as well.

Recently, we found a couple of new pieces of equipment for our healthy exercise. One is a simple DVD with easy to follow examples and directions for both senior stretching and strength exercises that my senior mom loves. She can sit in a chair for most of the exercises, plus she can tailor them to how she is feeling on any particular day. On those days when her arthritis isn't bothering her, she finds she has more range of motion to do more of the exercises. On those days when her body isn't cooperating as much, she just does as much as she can. Either way, she finds she is more supple and walks a tad bit easier. I asked if she wanted me to get another DVD we had spotted, and she emphatically said, "Nope! I love the DVD I'm using. The exercises are easy and it's a longer workout so I like it better."

The second piece of senior (and baby boomer) fitness equipment we've added to the house is a cute little mini stationary exercise bike. It doesn't take up much room. I can sit on the couch to do the pedaling making it way more comfortable than some of the older, traditional stationary exercise bikes. And you actually get a good work out while watching your favorite TV shows. It's especially great during extreme weather - like the heat wave we're in right now or the ice storm of two years ago!

My senior mom prefers to sit in our rocking chair, while she watches TV or photos of her sweet great-grandchildren. It's been wonderful for her during the hot weather, and also when I've had to travel. She can enjoy an interesting variety for her senior fitness and bodybuilding exercises without the worry that she might fall. She alternates the mini exercise bike with her chair exercises and adds weights when she feels up to it. We even found her some extra light-weight ones to help her.

I love that she gets healthy exercise and I can enjoy piece of mind when I'm not at home! These pieces of senior (and boomer) fitness equipment have definitely proven themselves quite useful in our family and we highly recommend them!

Stamina Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

When you want to buy an expensive piece of equipment, whether an HD TV or a magnetic recumbent exercise bike it is often hard to tell if lower price means lower quality. It is important to separate lower quality workmanship and materials from the idea of no frills. The Stamina Magnetic Recumbent bike1350 is an example of a quality but no frills model. The goal of any machine is to be used, and not create excuses not to use them!

Here is a list of four key features to look for in your magnetic recumbent exercise bike

One: You want to fit on the machine comfortably. Some kind of padded or cushioned seat is a must in order to compete in this field. Adjustable back and seat is also a must. Some of the high end machines will have multiple settings, extra wide seats, mesh coverings which are all nice, but equal comfort can be found with no frills options.

Two: You want to be able to read the LCD screen. A machine without an LCD screen is risky because experts stay keeping track of your heart rate so important. So being to able to read the machine is important. Some of the fancier machines have so much information on them, it ends up being small. Heart rate, speed, distance and calories are the most important features to monitor, so be sure some kind of automatic pulse reader, usually in the handlebars is part of the package.

Three: Noise can be a make or break factor and price does not always seem to be the factor. When at home you want to be able to listen to music or watch TV while exercising, so a loud machine will defeat the purpose work.

Four: You want to be able to adjust resistance in some fashion to improve the benefits of workouts. Your muscles get used to one degree of difficulty, so it is important to be able to adjust it in some fashion every few weeks. Also with more than one person in the home, it can fit the exercise needs of different people.

Beyond these things? Everything else is icing on the cake. Reading racks, cup holders, leather seating, color LCD screens, 16-20 pre-programmed workout intensity sessions are are wonderful additions, but not necessities if looking to cut costs, but keep quality,

Stamina Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bikes come from their long line of building value products, many of which are featured on infomercials, so they have to keep the price down. Although many wonder what same person watches these infomercials, many other people do and it has become a popular way to market products. When looking at Stamina brand or other lower priced budget lines it is important to keep these tips in mind.

Why Use an Exercise Bike?

There are so many home exercise equipments for losing weight but the most popular is the stationary bike. It is user-friendly and light. In addition, a lot of these stationary bicycles are easily folded away for storage.

Training on an exercise bike can be combined with other exercises such as push ups. Say you ride your bike for forty minutes then tone the rest of your body like the muscles in your arms by following up with other exercises. Devise a routine on how you want to do your different exercises. You can interchange them to make them less repetitive. First select the exercise you will do on a daily basis. If you start with the exercise bike training on the first day, on another day start with push ups followed by your bike riding exercise and so on.

Using the stationary bike is definitely a great way to conveniently exercise in the comfort of your own home. Not only do you have privacy, but you also control your schedule. Training in a gym by using barbells, doing push ups, running, walking, or riding outdoors are equally as intense as training on an exercise bike. They are all meant for the same purpose and that is to keep you fit. It's a matter of setting a goal and maintaining it. You have the freehand of choosing which method best suits you. All of them require concentration and determination on your part.

Every type of training begins with warm-ups. By doing light exercises, you set the pace for yourself and eventually build the momentum as you go.

Exercise bike training does not necessarily limit you to exercising at home. You can join various exercise clubs. This will make training more fun and interesting since you will be interacting with people as well. When training with an exercise bike you don't need to concentrate a lot. It allows you to exercise and at the same time have a great conversation with your fellow trainee. Before you know it, you have been riding for an hour. This is just one of the advantages of training with an exercise bike.

Exercise Tips

Exercise is vitally important if you want to achieve and maintain good health. Some experts recommend that you get at least 20 minutes of exercize 5-7 times a week. Others say that an hour a day is the optimum level to strive for. The truth is that the more you exercise, the more you reduce your risks for developing heart disease and other degenerative conditions.


If you’re new to exeecise or coming back to it after an injury or just a long time off the ‘exercise wagon’, you need to start slow and light. 5 minutes, three times a week can be considered a start. Then build up to 5 times, 4-5 days a week. After that, you can increase the time you spend exercising in 5-minute increments. Remember – short bursts of exercise do count. If you can do 5 minutes, four times daily, that’s 20 minutes a day, seven days a week. The effects of exercising are indeed cumulative.

The best thing you can do is to start exercising. After that, you must stick to it. Don’t break the habit. Reward yourself for a week (or a month) of good workouts. Just don’t reward yourself with an ice cream sundae. Consider getting a massage, reading a good book, taking a bubble bath, getting a manicure or anything else you enjoy.

Here are some other tips to ensure you succeed with an exercise program:

Make exercise fun. There are literally thousands of ways to exsrcise. If you’re not a gym rat, then don’t sign up for a membership. Walk outside in the sunshine or swim instead. Don’t like to sweat a lot? Try Pilates, some forms of Yoga, Tai Chi and gentle movements.

Vary your routine. Include several activities in your regimen and mix it up to keep yourself entertained. Play tennis one day. Lift weights the next. Then, hit the pavement with a jog. This will also keep your muscles from getting too used to the movements. This helps you burn more fat and build more muscle over time.

Get a buddy. Studies show that people who exercise with a friend or acquaintance stick with their programs longer. Why? Perhaps they’re afraid of letting the other person down. Maybe the social aspect is enough to keep them committed. Whatever the reason, enlist help and get in shape with someone you care about.

Buy the proper gear. This doesn’t mean that you should purchase heavy-duty equipment. In fact, you should probably create your exercise habit before you buy that fancy treadmill or what have you. What we’re talking about here is that you have ample support for your feet and are wearing comfortable, appropriate clothing for the activity. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of shoes. Outdoors exercisers – check the weather (and dress accordingly) before heading out.

Keep a record of your successes. Put an “X” on the calendar each time you exercise or put it on your to-do list and check it off when you finish. You won’t believe the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you’re done with a workout. Nothing will motivate you to succeed in the future like your past success!

Why Should I Exercise?

Exercise is a key component of health. In order to be healthy,  not just a prescription for weight loss. we have to exercise regularly. Sure, it can be difficult to take the time out of your busy schedule to engage in physical activity but exercise helps your mind, emotions and your body in so many ways. Yes, exercize can help you to lose weight and tone muscle. It will make you look better, but it also releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that stabilize and even improve mood.


 Strength and weight-bearing exercises such as jumping, running or walking can help stave off osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) for both men and women. A person might be able to avoid deadly diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure if he/she engages in regular physical activity. Of course, for those who have these diseases, it’s easier to manage or control them going forward if exercose is a regular part of your life.

It’s also important to note that exercise, when done routinely, can boost HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – the good cholesterol – while decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – bad cholesterol. As a result, the blood flows more smoothly through the body, reducing the buildup of plaque in the arteries. (Arterial plaque leads to a host of heart problems including arteriosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction, aka heart attack.)

Studies show that most people know that they should exercise, but still maintain that they can’t make the time for it. It’s true that life is hectic with work, child care/family responsibilities and a bunch of other demands on our time. The trick is to make exercise a priority. You just have to commit to doing it. Although experts suggest we exercise 5-7 times a week for at least one hour, long-term benefits can be seen with regular activity of 20 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

If you’re new to exercising, the best thing to do is to start slow and build up at a reasonable rate. Overdoing it can lead to injuries and stress. Find activities you enjoy such as golfing, swimming or walking and start with those. Many people think exercisd is boring, but it doesn’t have to be. Mix up your activities and again, do the things you enjoy.

Others need outside support to make exercise work. So, if you need to engage a buddy, your significant other or even a fitness trainer, then go ahead and do it. Some people report success with marking time out in their calendars for exercise each and every week. They make an appointment with themselves and find that they’re much happier – and healthier – for it.

Of course, you don’t have to do the whole hour of activity at the same time. Exercise has a cumulative effect. You can get the same benefits from working out in three, 20-minute intervals a day or building up your hour in five-minute chunks.

Another benefit of exercise is that it will boost your confidence – and potentially – your sex life. Regular exercise, as we mentioned earlier, makes you look better. It also makes you feel better…and it gives you more energy. Men who exercise regularly report fewer problems with erectile dysfunction as they age. Most individuals claim improved sleep function. They have less trouble falling and staying asleep.

With so many benefits to regular exercising, the question should be – how can you not find the time for it?

Finding The Right Bike

Two different styles... pick the one that suits you best


Exercise bikes are available in two different designs: upright or recumbent.

• An upright bike positions the body to mimic the traditional biking experience.

• Recumbent bikes offer larger seats and a semi-reclined body position.

Which is better?

It's a matter of personal preference. Choose the style of bike that is more comfortable for you. Each style offers its advantages.

The recumbent bike provides support for the lower back and lumbar region, so it may be a little more comfortable for those with lower back pain. It also offers bucket seats, which can be more comfortable and are more ergonomically correct than the seat on a traditional upright. This type of bike is a great choice because the back support it provides makes getting on and off the bike easy for older adults.

The upright exercise bike is very similar to a traditional bicycle in design and function. The seat is positioned directly above the pedals and has adjustable height. The handlebars can be used to position the body while pedalling. One big advantage with this style of exercise bike is that you can lift your body off the seat and pedal with greater force to simulate hill climbing or sprinting and maximize your workout.

What features do I need?

Exercise bikes offer a variety of features. The number of programs and a way to monitor your heart rate are two key features that will help you establish which bike will meet your fitness goals.

What is comfortable?

The design of a recumbent bike can determine how comfortable it is, as well as ease of use. Look for a step-through design with an open area in front of the seat to avoid having to step over the unit to sit or leave. Any bike offering multiple adjustment options will provide a great range of motion and comfort for your body. Also, seat size and contour will determine comfort during use. Test various styles for the perfect fit.

What is Free Spin technology?

This is important to prevention of injuries during use. It allows the flywheel to continue spinning when you stop pedalling, thus eliminating any jolt to your joints.

Get more exercise, more comfortably on a stationary exercise bike

Exercise bikes offer a great cardiovascular workout for all fitness levels while minimizing the strain on your joints. They also burn serious calories from the comfort of a seated position. With the regular use of an exercise bike, you'll soon discover real health benefits with less pain.
What To Consider When Choosing An Exercise Bike


Who will use the exercise bike, and how often?
• If intended for a single user, a lower-end machine may be ideal
• For frequent, multiple users, consider a more robust bike with a heavier flywheel and stable frame

What is your fitness level?
• Beginners will find a basic model with simple controls a great starter bike
• If you have a high fitness level, consider a bike with a heavier flywheel and a variety of preset and custom programs

How much do you want to spend?
By spending more, you may get
• A heavier, smoother and more durable flywheel
• A greater range of resistance
• Better adjustability
• More programs
• Higher weight capacity
• More add-on features (i.e. pulse monitors)

How will you use the bike?
• For simple weight loss or recreational use, a basic model offers adequate features and durability
• For a more rigorous, regular workout plan, choose a model with club-level features and durability

Why Excercise Bike

Exercise bike is one of the most popular and affordable types of fitness equipment and it's easy to understand why. For starters, stationary exercise bikes offer a relatively inexpensive entry route for those seeking high quality aerobic training gear without breaking the bank.


This is because the engineering required to build a decent, reliable exercise bike is far more modest than for a treadmill.

 Another reason is the cycling movement itself ; almost everyone can cycle, there's very little co-ordination required and the weight-bearing nature of the exercise makes it particularly easy on the ankles, knee, and hips. Very ideal for beginners, the elderly or those recovering from injury. The icing on the cake is that cycling is also a truly excellent cardiovascular exercise

Many Point of exercise Bike - what to look for

1. Exercise Bike Braking System
Most of exercise bike use electronic braking, which although not cheap, is generally smooth in use and enables manufacturers to offer programmes such as hill and heart rate control. Mechanical braking is simple, cheap and offers potentially very high resistance levels, but it needs a heavy flywheel to give a good pedaling feel and requires regular maintenance. Air braking gives you more resistance as you pedal faster, a nice cooling breeze and is a robust system of generating resistance. However, it doesn't allow you to alter resistance without changing your pedaling speed.

2. Exercise Bike Flywheel
All other things being equal, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and less jerky will be the pedaling action

3. Recumbent and Upright of Exercise Bike
Upright exercise bikes place you in the conventional upright cycling position, whereas recumbent exercise bikes place you in a more horizontal position, are easier to mount and dismount and have a more supportive seat with a back support. However, recumbent exercise bikes take up more room and are generally more costly for the same standard of bike.

4. Exercise Bike Pedaling Fell
Avoid models with an uneven or jerky pedaling feel. Ideally should be silky smooth with the same level of resistance throughout the 360 degrees of pedal revolution, even at high resistance levels and out of the saddle

5. Maximum Workload of Exercise Bike
How much resistance the bike will give when pedaled flat out. Most bikes will provide in excess of 250 watts; experienced cyclists or the very fit will need in excess of 400 watts

6. Console Feedback and ease of use Exercise Bike
How clear and comprehensive is the displayed information? If there any, How easy is it to access programmes? Are the buttons clearly visible and easy to use? How to make daily maintenance?

7. Exercise Bike Programmes
Can offer variety and motivation by simulating various hill courses, allowing you to create your own or by controlling your heart rate.

8. Power Supply of Exercise Bike
Is the bike self-powered? or does it need mains electricity?

9. Riding Position Adjustability of Exercise Bike
The more adjustable the bike, the more comfortable during longer sessions. All bikes have saddle height adjustment; check whether the saddle or handlebars can be moved forwards and backwards too

10. Exercise Bike saddle Comfort
A well padded saddle will improve comfort. How padded is the saddle?

11. Exercise Bike Standard of Construction
Check that the frame's built predominantly from metal, the welds are tidy, the overall finish is good without sharp or rough edges and that the moving parts are adequately shielded from prying fingers. A solidly constructed exercise bike should also be stable and not flex or wobble, even when you're out of the saddle, giving it some stick.

12. Exercise Bike Warranty
Check the warranty with the dealer, especially if you expect it to receive heavy use. Some manufacturers now give more than the standard year's warranty on bike frames and parts.

What are the positive and negative aspects exercise bike.

Benefits of riding a stationary bike to help lose weight

• easy to use
• convenient
• home use
• ideal for people not used to exercising or very overweight people
• ideal if bad weather means no other activities available
• watch TV during a workout
• low injury risk to knees and ankles
• easy to develop a rhythmic pace for better fat burning
• Helps develop a little leg strength
• air/fan assisted bikes help cool down skin while working out

Negative side to using exercise bikes for losing weight
• only works leg mainly
• not a great overall calorie burner
• may become boring after a few workouts
• aerobic type of exercise so less chance of boosting overall metabolism rate
• can be expensive if on a budget
• Some are noisy
• not the best fitness builder
• walking would be just as good without expense
• too short range of motion