Exercise Equipment Reviews

If you don't know much about the equipment you want to purchase, your first stop should be at a specialty fitness retailer or exercise equipment dealer that has sales staff who understand exercise and can answer questions and demonstrate the proper use of equipment. If you know what you want, you can often find the best price on equipment by shopping online.

Often, the biggest challenge is deciding which fitness product is the right one. A piece of home fitness equipment should be selected based on the anatomy, interests, and fitness level of the user. In general you should ask and answer the following questions before your buy:

Treadmills are a popular piece of aerobic equipment for home use. Treadmills allow you to walk, or run indoors regardless of the time of day or weather. When purchasing a treadmill, look for a solid, smooth action, a steady pace, wide belt, safety shut off, and incline settings. Quality models range from $1500 and up. Make sure any treadmill you consider is built to withstand a substantial load , as running on a treadmill creates a great deal of force. Treadmills do require maintenance, so you should learn about the warranty and find out what local customer service is available.

Elliptical trainers offer a comfortable, non-impact exercise activity that almost anyone can do. The movement is horizontally oval. You can adjust the intensity or keep the movement easy for the very sedentary. It is currently the moist popular item in health clubs and you may want to try out several models before selecting one.

Stationary bikes are widely used home exercise equipment. They offer a non-impact cardiovascular workout and are great for the overweight or sedentary person just starting to exercise. They primarily use the muscles of the legs and buttocks. Bikes come in a variety of price ranges. Generally speaking a high caliber bike will cost $500 to $1000.

Recumbent cycles give more support to the lower back and minimize the stress on the knees compared with an upright bicycle. Recumbents provide a cardiovascular workout that uses the muscles of the gluteus, quadriceps and hamstrings.

Step machines use primarily the lower body in an aerobic capacity. Finding a high quality step machine can be expensive, however. Steppers give a good workout aerobically, strengthen and build the lower body muscles, and are low impact.

Cross country ski machines can provide a full body workout for cardiovascular and muscle endurance, however, they can be difficult to master. Before buying a ski machine, you should definitely try it out. These take some practice to use well and are best for experienced exercisers who want a challenging workout.

Rowing Machines are good for those who desire a whole body workout, but have limited space. Rowing uses both the upper and lower body for aerobic exercise. Proper technique on a rowing machine is important in order to avoid back strain.

Resistance equipment is a good compliment to any home aerobic fitness equipment. The two most widely recognized kinds of weight equipment are home gyms or multi-stations and free weights. Free weights are reasonably prices and require little space. They also require greater instruction and supervision for proper use, and are more likely to cause injury. Home gyms or multi-stations are a major purchase, and the price often reflects the quality of the machine.

Many other fitness gadgets are available on the internet or as seen on TV. These items are often not of the highest quality or the most user friendly. Be cautioned before believing the hype generated by the latest fade. The thigh master's of yesterday are the garage sale bargain of today.

Spend enough time trying the piece of exercise equipment and e confident that it does all that it claims to so. Also e sure that it works for you, and you would really be comfortable and enjoy using the equipment before you buy it. Once you've made that purchase, protect your investment and follow the manufacturers’ maintenance suggestions.

The bottom line is this: Any piece of exercise equipment is a good choice if you use it. If you don't use it, the most expensive, top of the line, state of the art item is worthless to you. Remember, you are the only one who can truly determine the quality of your purchase and the results you get with your new exercise equipment.

Does regular exercise slow the aging process? Every health expert, health magazine and health book makes the claim that regular exercise is a major component in helping to slow the aging process. Now don't get us wrong we firmly believe this to be the truth, but rather than rely on the word of others we decided to take a look at the evidence as it exists today. Following you will find the results of our research. We think you will find as we have that exercise may indeed be the true "fountain of youth".

Interestingly, while there has been general agreement among medical professionals that a balanced diet can increase life span, those same professionals have long debated whether exercise could also increase longevity. Recently a few high-powered research studies appear to have settled this important question. A recent study, referred to as the Harvard Alumni Study, appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study followed 17,000 middle aged Harvard graduates over 26 years, monitoring a number of variables, including exercise habits. The study concluded that those who exercised vigorously (jogging, swimming, cycling, tennis, etc) had a 25% lower death rate than those whom were more sedentary or who engaged in "non-vigorous" activity such as bowling, golf, and strolling.

Another study, the Framingham Heart Study, found that those who expended 2,000 calories per week had an increased life expectancy of 2 years. This means that a person who walks briskly for about 8 miles a week will live considerably longer than his counterpart with the same lifestyle who doesn't exercise regularly.

One of the most important roles exercise plays in increasing life span is probably by increasing our body's ability to neutralize free radicals. This breakdown of healthy cells by oxygen free radicals appears to be a key mechanism in many of the aging processes. These include sun damage to skin, damage to organ systems, and mutations in DNA responsible for cancers. The body, as a consequence of metabolic processes, normally produces free radicals. However, free radical production increases markedly during strenuous exercise, exposure to environmental factors (including sun), and probably during times of emotional stress. Our bodies have systems to buffer and combat these molecules, but it appears that these protection systems become less effective as we age, making our bodies more and more vulnerable to their effects and resulting aging processes. For instance:

* muscle strength usually decreases by about 10% per decade after the age of 45
* aerobic capacity (VO2max) declines 8-10% per decade after age 25
* skeletal muscle mass generally decreases after the age of 40
* immune system function generally begins a modest decline after 40, then falls more rapidly in both men and women by age 58 or 60.

Importantly, these losses seem to exactly parallel decreases in the body's antioxidant defense systems. The two most important tools we have for preventing the increased free radical damage associated with aging are exercise and nutrition. Exercise reduces the normal loss of the body's free radical fighting antioxidant systems. Additionally, initiating an exercise program after the antioxidant potential of the body has been reduced can actually reverse some of the losses. A balanced nutrition program with high levels of vitamins A,C and E, as well as the hundreds of naturally occurring antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables will also likely combat the increased free radical damage as one ages.

From a disease standpoint, regular exercise has been shown conclusively to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, it enhances fitness, strength, flexibility, and body composition, and contributes greatly to an improved quality of life.

One of the principal authors of the Harvard Alumni study, and one of the world's leading authorities on exercise and longevity, Dr. Ralph Paffenbarger has thoroughly examined the literature on exercise and lifespan and offered us a simple summation: for every hour a person exercises, he/she gets back that hour plus an extra hour of life. Exercise an hour and live 2 quality hours longer !!

Research into the role of exercise and aging continues today. Based on the current research it is evident that regular exercise along with a proper diet may indeed help us to live a longer more active and productive life.

from the Surgeon General

Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease.

Physical activity and physical fitness are causally related to the risk of coronary heart disease.

Physically active people have an overall lower risk of fatal and nonfatal major coronary event. (Mittleman et al. 1993; Willich et al. 1993; Siscovich et al. 1985)
Physical inactivity is causally linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. (Powell et al. 1987; Blair 1994)
Exercise training along with cholesterol-lowering diet and other risk factor interventions help prevent the progression or reduce the severity of coronary atherosclerosis (the underlying basis of cardiovascular disease). (Ornish et al. 1990; Schuler et al. 1992; Hambrecht et al. 1993; Haskell et al. 1994)
Endurance trained men and women athletes generally have HDL-C (good cholesterol) levels 20-30% higher than healthy age matched sedentary individuals. (Leon 1991)
Overwhelming evidence from epidemiologic studies shows that a physically active lifestyle reduced risk of sudden cardiac death. (Leon et al. 1987)
Among the studies on non-occupational physical activity, inactivity was associated with a 60% increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality. (Berlin et al. 1990)

Exercise and Hypertension

Intervention studies have generally reported significant reductions in blood pressure following endurance training. (Fagard and Tipton, 1994; Fagard et al. 1990; American College of Sports Medicine 1993; Towner and Blumenthal 1993)

Exercise and Mood

On average, persons who are higher active are at two times lower risk for depressive symptoms.

Adults who spend more time participating in regular exercise, sports or other physical activities had fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety than persons who reported no or low levels of participation in these same activities. (Ross and Hayes 1988)
Physical activity was associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as higher positive mood and general well-being, particularly in women and persons over 40. (Stephens 1988)
Persons reporting higher levels of daily leisure-time energy expenditure had higher positive mood than persons reporting lower levels of energy expenditure. (Stephens and Craig 1990)
Persons with few depressive symptoms who were low active in 1965 were at greater risk for having a high number of depressive symptoms in 1974. (Camach et al. 1991)
Persons obtaining no physical exercise were three times more likely to be depressed than people who were regular exercisers. (Weyerer 1992)
Low physical activity was a risk factor for developing depressive symptoms in women. (Farmer et al. 1988)

Exercise and Quality of Life

Persons whose physical function compromised by heart disease and arthritis experience improved daily function from involvement in various modes of physical activity. (Ewart 1989; Fisher et al. 1993)

Exercise and Weight Management

Persons concerned with losing weight and body fat should increase their level of physical activity. Physical activity of moderate intensity (i.e., 50-60% of maximal aerobic capacity), but longer duration (50-60 minutes per session) seems most efficacious towards this goal.
Physical activity affects body composition and weight favorably, by promoting fat loss, while preserving lean mass.
The rate of weight loss is positively related to the frequency and duration of the exercise session, as well as the duration of the exercise program. (Oscai 1973; Stefanick 1993; Thompson et al. 1982; Wilmore 1983; Ballor and Keesey 1991; Epstein and Wing 1980)
While the rate of weight loss resulting from increased physical activity is relatively slow, physical activity may nonetheless be a more effective strategy for long term weight regulation than dieting alone. (Brownell and Stunkard 1980; Kayman, Bruvold, Stern 1990)
Physical activity may have a favorable effect on fat distribution. (Seidell et al. 1991; Tremblay et al. 1990; Kaye et al. 1990; Slattery et al. 1992; Triosi et al. 1993; Wing et al. 1991)
A regular high-volume, low-intensity prolonged physical activity, such as purposeful walking for 10 to 60 minutes a day on almost a daily basis, can substantially increase energy expenditure, reducing body weight and fat. (Pi-Sunyer 1988; Leon 1989; Bouchard et al. 1993; DiPietro 1995; Ewbank et al. 1995)
Exercise primarily in the form of walking, along with restricted energy intake, can be expected to produce a substantially greater weight and fat loss and maintenance than either exercise or dietary energy restrictions alone. (Leon 1989; Bouchard et al. 1993; Food Technologist's Expert Panel 1993; American College of Sports Medicine 1983)

Five Major Effects of Exercise in Reducing Weight and Fat

Increases total daily energy expenditure
Enhances body fat mobilization and maintenance of lean body mass
Reduces upper body and abdominal visceral fat
Increases rate and amount of fat metabolized
Reduces the mortality rate in obese persons

Exercise and Musculoskeletal Conditions

Physical activity plays a substantial role in the development of bone mass during childhood and adolescence, and maintenance of skeletal mass as a young adult. (American College of Sports Medicine 1995; Slemenda, Johnson 1994; Rankin 1994; Star, Hochberg 1993; National Institutes of Health 1984; Lindsay 1994; Drinkwater 1994; Cummings et al. 1985; Gilligan et al. 1993; Martin, Houston 1987)
Greater bone mass strength with weight bearing activity during youth has been demonstrated in a number of animal species. (Martin, Houston 1987; Mazess, Wheldon 1983)
Epidemiological studies indicate that women who have been able to maintain higher levels of physical activity later in life have lower prevalence of hip fractures. (American College of Sports Medicine 1995)

Exercise and Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States behind only cardiovascular disease. It accounts for 540,00 deaths in 1994.

Colon Cancer

There are adequate data to suggest that physical inactivity is likely to be causally related to increased incidence of colon cancer. To reduce risk, one should exercise at moderate intensity; e.g., walking at 4 mph for 30 minutes, five times a week.
A significant inverse relation between occupational physical activity and colon cancer risk was found in 15 of 18 studies on the subject. (reviewed in: Lee 1994; Arbman et al. 1993;Chow et al. 1993; Dosmeci et al. 1993; Fraser et al. 1993)

Breast Cancer

Non-athletes had more than two-and-a-half times the risk of breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical and vaginal cancers than former college athletes. (Frisch et al. 1985)
Physical inactivity was associated with a 2.4 to 8.6-fold increase in risk of developing uterine cancer. (Levi et al. 1993)
Several studies have shown that exercise can alter the levels of reproductive hormone, potentially decreasing the risks of reproductive cancers. (Lee 1994)

Prostate Cancer

Several studies have shown that exercise can alter the levels of reproductive hormone, potentially decreasing risks of prostate cancer. (Lee 1994)

Exercise and Diabetes Mellitus

The largest and most consistent difference in risk of NIDDM (non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) occurs between those individuals who report relatively no activity and those who report doing something.

Women alumni who were former college athletes had a lower prevalence of diabetes than those who were non-athletes. (Frisch 1986)

A study of male alumni from University of Pennsylvania demonstrated that physical activity was inversely related to the incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), particularly in men at high risk for developing diabetes. (Helmrich 1991)

In a study of female registered nurses aged 34-59 years, women who reported engaging in vigorous exercise at least once a week had a lower incidence of self reported NIDDM during the eight years of follow up than women who did not exercise weekly. (Manson 1991)

Among women 55-69 years of age, who had high levels of physical activity were half as likely to develop diabetes mellitus as were women with low levels of physical activity. (Kaye et al. 1991)

Physical activity is likely to be the most beneficial in preventing the progression of NIDDM when used during the disease process. (Saltin 1979; Lindgarde 1983; Krotkiewski 1983; Trovati 1984; Schneider 1984; Ronnemaa 1986)

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Home Exercise Equipment

How to buy exercise equipment

What Exercise Can Do For You!

The Role of Exercise in Longevity

from the Surgeon General

Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease.