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Many who do regular exercise will have heard of this company. Back in the 90s millions of people took up exercise because of its innovative HealthRider product. Now the company has started producing low- to mid-price machines. But, is a HealthRider treadmill for you?

HealthRider treadmills belong to a good stable of sporting goods as they are made by Icon Health and Fitness, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of exercise equipment. Other machines produced by Icon include Weider, Reebok, Nordic Track and Weslo treadmills to name just some of the more well known brands.

The price range of a HealthRider treadmill is between $440 and $1600, which firmly places them in the low price bracket. You shouldn’t necessarily be put of by this; for many a HealthRider machine may be just what they’re looking for.

Despite being a cheaper model of treadmill, a HealthRider does come with plenty of features that will entice the buyer. They come with the company’s patented SoftTrack Cushioning system that ensures less stress is placed on the knees, ankles, and joints.

Currently, they are available in the following models: the T600i ($650), the H150i ($400), the H550i ($750), the R60 SoftStrider ($1,500), the Pro H450i ($600), the Outlook ($1,400), and the Pro H500i ($800). Each gives you different options on motor, size, speed, inclination, treadbelt size and warranty. As you would expect, the greater the price of the machine the better it is.

If you’re already a serious user of treadmills then this isn’t going to be for you. However, if you’re just starting out on an exercise regime or already do some light jogging and are looking to buy one for indoor use, then this company’s machines might be for you.

Where the HealthRider treadmill comes into its own is the motivational features that come with it in the shape of something called iFIT. If you aren’t naturally inclined towards exercise, iFIT can give you the motivation you need by providing you with a ‘virtual’ certified personal trainer to guide you through a complete workout. The system works by sending digital cues from the iFIT.com web site, compact discs, and videos to vary resistance, speed, and incline functions according to workouts developed by iFIT.com personal trainers. You don’t even have to be connected to the internet to use it, as the CDs and videos that come with it have many goal specific workouts.

Other nice features that may appeal to some are the built in fans to keep you cool and the BiolLogic Grip Pulse Sensors, which are incorporated into the hand grip, to measure your heart rate.

In all honesty, these aren’t for the serious athlete but there is a huge market of people who are doing exercise for the first time ever in their life. Often, they want to loose weight or take care of their heart but lack the motivation to stick to an exercise regime. The relatively low price of the company’s machines combined with their interactive consoles can make them an attractive proposition for many.

There are a hundred lots of home gym equipment nowadays that are sold in the market. Do not make the mistake in buying something and then regretting why you bought it after a day or two. Home fitness equipments vary and you should always have one good reason to buy it. Don’t believe on everything commercials tell you about the equipment. Some may seem easy to use on television but n fact will not really work for you. Try to ask yourself first of these questions before you grab your wallet and buy that equipment.

Do you need it? The home gym should suit your interests and needs. The activities that you will do with that equipment should be challenging and something to enjoy on. Buying exercise gym equipment is never a guarantee that you will use it especially if it is something new that makes it harder to use. Make sure that you already know the equipment and that it is something that you already tried in a fitness club. Start from buying small gym tools that are aligned to your interests.

Can you afford it? Don’t be fooled with the thought that you will be forced to use something because you spent too much money for it. Expensive equipments are never an assurance that you will use them or that they are effective for you. Always consider how much are you willing to pay for certain tools. Also ask yourself if it is worth it. Always check on the quality before you buy it. The price may be too low but consider that the quality can also be low. Or it may be expensive but then the quality is not that good. You can try choosing on cheaper alternatives but not sacrificing the quality of the gym.

You may also want to check out for some used equipments. Most of the time, this is where you find a better deal. You can even find some that do not seem to have been used at a very low rate. Or you can find the equipment 3 months old but the price is almost half the original.

Do you have enough space for it? This is often what buyers forget to consider. Try to consider first where to place a treadmill before buying it. Before you buy something, make sure you know where you will place it. Your place may not accommodate the gym. Plan ahead and make sure that it can be placed in your home without causing any hassle.

Is it safe for you? If you have existing conditions, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that the equipment will be safe for you. Some equipment may be painful to use and might cause harm to your body. So make sure to try it first be fore you buy it.

It also suggested that you first consider if a gym near you already has that piece. You can save money by just registering to that gym and use that equipment compared the price you will spend if you will buy that product.

Also remember it is important to feed your body some solid fuel before you workout, and many times vitamin supplements, like those found at www.goldminez.com can increase your energy and also help improve muscle tone over the long haul. Never underestimate the power of a good liquid multivitamin!

Buying fitness equipments should be bought with consideration. Do not buy by impulse. Always ask the opinion of a professional gym instructor before you buy something.

Over the past few years elliptical trainers have been crowned the ideal piece of home fitness equipment. One thing that has helped with this determination is the ability for many newer elliptical models to fold. This combined with the ability to obtain a high quality workout that raises your heart rate have made this the choice for professionals. Almost every major manufacturer produces at least one folding elliptical trainer.

This is ideal because after a workout you can quickly and easily store away your machine.

The most widely known brand of them that fold is the Profrom series of trainers, followed by the Vision Fitness brand, which also uses magnetic resistance.

Who is a folding elliptical trainer ideal for?

First and foremost anyone looking for a piece of sporting equipment that can be used within the home yet not require a room dedicated to fitness equipment. It is also great for people who live in an apartment where space is at a premium, once the workout is complete ease of storage is only minutes away.

Where can it be stored?

After completing the workout the elliptical trainer can be stored in a closet, in the corner of the room or even in the basement.

What are some of the major disadvantages?

Initially it may be a little hard to get used to folding the machine up or lowering it to actually use it. I recommend practicing the process a few times to get the hang of it then you will have no problem doing it in the future.

A second disadvantage is these type of machines are a little more expensive since the design is altered to allow the folding process.

In conclusion you should determine what exactly you need. If you have plenty of open space that you do not need to utilize you may be fine with a normal style model.

Smooth Fitness makes one of the most cost-efficient elliptical trainers on the market. It is called the Smooth elliptical trainer, and its internet sales are through the roof. While many people choose these trainers for their relatively low cost, their quality is anything but cheap or shoddy. Instead, these rival even the most expensive ones being sold.

It does require a certain investment to own a Smooth elliptical trainer. The price is around $2000 or less. Yet, when you look at that price, you need to look at the value you are getting for your money. Bargain basement ellipticals do not provide the workmanship or features you will likely want in an elliptical trainer. Even though you pay less, it is no bargain if the product is unusable.

On the other hand, the Smooth elliptical device offers quality like that you can find in devices that cost much more than $2000. The workmanship is similar to more expensive brands, and you can likely find just what you are looking for when you look at a Smooth elliptical to buy.

Smooth ellipticals are a value for many reasons. Because they are fully adjustable, you can be sure yours will work well for you. You can change height settings so that the machine works with your own body. When your position on the device is perfectly fine-tuned, you will be able to burn more calories than ever before.

You can get a much better work-out when you are not straining against an ill-fitting machine. However, this is not the only reason you need a good fit. If you are properly aligned in the device, then your body will work in a more fluid manner and you will be less likely to suffer injury. This not only keeps you safe, it keeps you able to work out steadily. It can be a big health bonus.

The features offered in Smooth elliptical trainers are commonly found in the more expensive brands. This makes them even more of a value. Electromagnetic braking is a great feature that increases comfort and safety when working on the trainer.

Smooth elliptical trainers have features that offer upper body work while your lower body is getting exercise as well. It is also important for many people that the machine can support heavy weights. This is good both for people who are beginning to work out and for people who have built a lot of muscle.

The Smooth Fitness manufacturer itself gets high marks as a maker of great exercise equipment. This company has not only one, but several different models in their elliptical machine line. With patented technology, these machines are outstanding.

They are for those who want to spend some money on a quality fitness machine, but do not want to pay for more than they need. The Smooth elliptical trainer allows consumers to have luxury workout equipment without paying luxury prices.

Smooth elliptical trainers, made by Smooth Fitness, can save you money over other fitness equipment that is available. They have a reasonable cost, at under $2000, while others cost $3000 and up. The cheaper trainers are not even worth the small price you pay for them because they will just not hold up to a daily regimen of workouts. Smooth elliptical trainers are the only ones that offer durability, highly skilled craftsmanship, and the features found on the expensive brands.

Getting a feature like whisper mechanics is only one of the ways these particular devices save you money. First of all, this feature allows for quiet, near silent operation. This allows you to use your elliptical without fear of waking the baby or not being able to hear the phone, for example.

Besides that, it is more relaxing to exercise on a quiet machine than on one that squeaks or grinds. It makes your exercise more pleasurable, and so you will work longer. You can find this feature on more expensive brands, but Smooth Fitness offers it to you in the less expensive trainers.

There is also an electromagnetic brake system that helps to reduce noise. It does not have a motor. This is great for two reasons. One is that it creates less noise. The other is that the Smooth elliptical trainers save you time-consuming and expensive brake repairs because of fewer brake parts. There is simply less to go wrong with the electromagnetic brake system of these machines.

Because of the great warranty on these machines, the value increases even more. You can be assured that your device will be backed up in writing and will be fixed if anything is wrong with it. The good news is that that is a rarity. The have been rated by customers as one of the highest quality products available. This shows that there are a lot of customers satisfied with these machines.

Smooth Fitness is the maker of several models of elliptical trainers. They are each a bargain for the money, too. This manufacturer is rated highly by consumers who are happy with the products they have bought. What better value is there than to buy a product that makes you completely happy?

Another reason people enjoy these machines more than others is that they can easily fit different people with various heights and weights. The weight limit on these machines is very high. The height adjustment makes it possible for people of all different heights to become perfectly aligned on the Smooth elliptical trainer. Exercise will be efficient for your body type. By working with your body instead of against it, these devices save you money in needless doctor bills, too.

Smooth ones save money because they offer features like those on expensive models at a much lower price. They have workmanship that will stand the test of time. They also fit your body and your life. If you have any doubts, go online to check out the ratings given to the Smooth elliptical trainers.

To this day the Schwinn Airdyne remains a unique concept, though others have tried to imitate but haven’t really succeeded in doing. The Airdyne bike by Schwinn does have some features that are nice but it also lacks some that many would want in an exercise bike in this price range. It’s a good piece of equipment but it’s not going to be for everyone.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Schwinn Airdyne is the way it looks; with its large wheel it’s not like any other exercise bike you’ve seen before, and you won’t have seen the two independent arms either. It really does look like some archaic Victorian contraption. But, looks can be deceiving and one should never judge by first appearances.

The Airdyne exercise bike has been designed to work both the upper and lower body. Obviously, you work the lower part by cycling, but it also works on your upper body, as the independent handle bars move back and forth, just like the way an elliptical trainer would do. Another feature that is fairly unique is the use of air resistance. On cheap machines the resistance is set by manually adjusting a belt, whereas on more expensive models you get magnetic resistance that can be altered at the push of a button. However, on this Schwinn exercise bike, the air resistance means that the faster you pedal the more resistance you get; the slower you pedal the less resistance.

This bike, although good, isn’t going to appeal to everyone. For starters, there’s no heart rate monitor - for many this is a vital feature of a bike. Also, the LCD display is rudimentary. The readouts are Time, Distance, Calories, Calories per Hour, RPM, and Workload. Many first-time users might want more motivational output and many experienced cyclists would want a more feature rich LCD display. Having said that, many beginners would also like the simple and straightforward way in which the bike can be used; you just hop on and start pedaling.

The machine also lacks any preset workout programs. These are pretty much standard with exercise bikes in this price range; the cost of the Schwinn Airdyne bike is around $500. Again, those who have used mid-range bikes before would find this a major drawback.

One final negative point is that it’s quite noisy. The air resistance feature is superb and I really like it but the huge fan wheel is right in front of you and it is very noisy. You’d probably want to set your mp3 player on loud when using the bike.

But this Schwinn exercise bike is a great piece of kit. It’s popular in many rehab institutions because it’s considered to have a low impact design and it really is the only model that let’s you work both upper and lower body at the same time; you can just work one part at a time though.

It’s a good bike and is a nice alternative to the more usual designs, be they upright or recumbent exercise bikes that form part of the stable of Schwinn exercise bikes.

Each month, we fill these pages with fitness and nutrition “must dos” to educate you and keep you on the right track, but sometimes the best way to develop good habits is by learning what not to do.

If you’re looking to shed some bodyfat, there are some very basic guidelines anyone can follow to start achieving results. For some reason, however, there are still those who make a few cardinal mistakes. Here we explain the IO things you absolutely should not do if you want to get lean. If you’re doing any of them, your physique is in big trouble. Now go to you room and read.

“Heavy weight just bulks you up,” says the shapeless gym enthusiast. “Lighter weights with higher reps is what really gets you ripped.” Tsk, tsk tsk. Mr. Nonsense and his amoebic physique have good intentions, but this way of thinking is as archaic as eight-track cassettes.

High-rep sets definitely have their place–increasing muscular endurance and pump, for instance–but they should never from the backbone of your program when you’re trying to get lean. Sticking to lightweight sets (12-20 reps) for an extended period robs you muscles of what they need most–a constant challenge. In the absence of new stimuli, such as constantly increasing weight loads, your muscles will simply grow content and either plateau or backtrack in size and shape. Lifting heavier will help you gain more lean tissue, which allows you to be slightly more metabolic at rest. Plus, heavy training (6-8 reps) increases the total caloric expenditure during and after your workout.

BEST TIP: Base you program on heavy, multi joint lifts such as squats, deadlifts and various presses that recruit and build more total muscle and burn more calories. Use moderate (10-12 reps) and lightweight (12-20 reps) sets to complement your heavy training, not the other way around.

Performing cardio before weight training

Some silly folks like to shamelessly exploit a fundamental training mantra–that you should always train for priorities. If losing bodyfat is your primary goal, for example, then cardio should be your primary focus in the gym, right? This is one case where your priorities are just backward, pal. While cardio by itself is certainly productive, doing cardio after your weight-training session is almost twice as productive at burning fat.

Japanese researchers recently determined that doing a weight workout before cardio resulted in significantly more fat-burning than doing cardio alone. In the study, a cardio-only group burned just more than 20% of their total calories from fat, while another group who did cardio after weights burned nearly 50% of their total calories from fat. One reason for this amazing disparity is that the body plows through stored glycogen during your weight routine, making fat the primary fuel source once it’s time for your cardio.

BEST TIP: Perform cardio when it’ll be most productive for you–after you hit the weights. Try mixing in 3-4, 20-30- minute, postlifting cardio sessions per week.

Eating fast-digesting carbs preworkout

Before you hit the gym, you definitely want to have some protein, but some people still reach for white toast, Gatorade and other fast-digesting carbs to round out their preworkout meal. Somewhere on a cave wall it is written in ancient Sanskrit: A crab is a carb is a carb. Today, we know better.

Your definitely don’t want to head to the gym on an empty tank, which is why you should fuel up in the 60-90 minutes or so before your first rep. But before you guzzle a sports drink or have a baked potato, know this: Fast-digesting carbs will have a negative impact on your body’s ability to burn fat for fuel in the gym because they boost insulin. This anabolic hormone is great to boost after the workout for encouraging muscle growth, but during the workout it blunts fat-burning.

BEST TIP: While having some carbs in your system is ideal preworkout, you’ll want to make smarter choices to keep your fat-burning high. Take in 30-40 grams of slower-digesting sources such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, fruit or sweet potatoes 15-30 minutes before training. Research shows that athletes who eat these foods burn more fat.

Always doing steady-state cardio at 70%-80% of max heart rate (MHR)

We love those skinny dudes who hit the treadmill with a heart-mate monitor strapped around their chests–it helps round out their already stylish headband-and-Adidas Gazalles look. But that leisurely prance is simply no match for a hard-sweat, fat nuking interval session

Steady-state cardio done at 70%-80% of your max heart rate will definitely eat away at bodyfat, but you may be selling yourself short. Your best bet is to train using intervals, where you frequently alternate between bouts of high intensity (80%-90% MHR) and low intensity (50%-60% MHR). This method of training leaves the body burning more fat long after you put in you last sprint–no heart rate monitor required.

It’s important to sweat out the details if you want to feel the burn of a good workout when buying home exercise equipment.

If you’re considering buying exercise equipment, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this advice: Evaluate advertising claims for fitness products carefully. And exercise–with or without special equipment-is essential for good health.

When buying home exercise equipment, the FTC advises:

no pain no gain

Ignore claims that an-exercise machine or device can provide long-lasting, easy, “no-sweat” results in a short time. You can’t get the benefits of exercise unless you exercise.

Be skeptical of testimonials and before-and-after pictures from “satisfied” customers. Their experiences may not be typical. Just because one person had success with the equipment doesn’t mean you will too.

fact or fiction

Question claims that a product can burn fat off a particular part of the body–for example, the buttocks, hips or stomach. Spot reduction is a myth. It’s impossible to lose fat around only a specific part of your body, such as your stomach or buttocks. Achieving a major change in your appearance requires sensible eating and regular exercise that works the whole body.

count up the cost

Do the calculations when you read statements like “three easy payments of …” or “only $49.95 a month.” The advertised cost may not include shipping and handling fees, sales tax, and delivery and set-up fees. Find out the details before you order.

Try before you buy. If the equipment is enjoyable to use, you’re more likely to use it often. Look for quality. If a $1,500 stair climber is out of reach, try step-training tapes and a set of benches with risers for around $150–a better choice than spending $300 on a low-quality stair climber that could quickly wear out.

work out room

Consider space restrictions. A multistation gym requires 50 to 200 square feet; a stair climber, just 10 to 20 square feet. For some pieces, high ceilings or even separate rooms. Read the fine print. The advertised results in infomercials may be based on much more than using the equipment being sold.

And consider this: just because you’ve bought that treadmill or at-home gym it doesn’t mean you’ll now be motivated to use it.

The need to improve your health and your appearance has to be motivated from within, otherwise it won’t matter how much you’ve spent on the equipment.

Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity.

While the weather turns cold in Virginia, NRPA staff at headquarters in Ashburn is getting warmed up inside with the facility’s new gym made possible by Precor, Inc. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 19, Executive Director John Thorner welcomed the Board of Trustees Executive Committee, staff and special guests that included Lifetime Trustees Charlie Hartsoe and Dean Tice, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) Executive Director Gary Fenton, former executive director for NVRPA Darrell Winslow, Board of Trustee member Joan Rokus, and former executive director of NRPA John Davis.

The fitness room was created after Tracey Ellis, advertising director for Parks & Recreation, worked with Precor to supply the equipment. The company provided two elliptical trainers, a treadmill, a recumbent bicycle and a multi-station strength training machine. The room’s construction and renovation was made possible through a gift made by the Meyr family in memory of their daughter, Adria Meyr.

As Thorner officially opened the Precor Fitness Room, many on staff were excited for the new benefit of having first-rate equipment in house. Jessica Pagonis, a meeting planner and new mother said, “I’m looking forward to working out and getting my weight-lifting done. It will be great–with a kid, it’s difficult to fit it in at home.”

As leaders and staff of a national association that promotes fitness and wellness through parks and recreation, Thorner thought that the fitness room would provide staff members with the opportunity to “walk the walk and talk the talk,” and thanked Precor for the generous donation that allowed NRPA to do just that.

“It was really important for NRPA and staff to convey the idea that park and recreation is a key component for the American public to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “If we were going to convey that to others, we needed to practice it ourselves.”

Lori Daniel, NRPA president said, “I think it’s wonderful for staff and sets a great example. It just goes to show that NRPA can step forward and take care of its own as well as the communities it reaches.”

The fitness room will be open during work hours for staff and members who may be visiting the facility.

“People put themselves in a pressure cooker on January 1 when they look and feel their worst. They’re setting themselves up to fail. The gym is overwhelming then. There’s a huge influx of people, so those who need individualized attention most won’t get it,” Bonnie Lefrak, CPT, general manager says.

Beth Ann Alves, AFAA group-fitness instructor agrees. “In the freezing months who wants to vault off to the gym if they’re not in the habit? By setting a schedule and developing good habits in summer or fall, you can counteract winter blues. But most of us don’t do that.”

“People need professional advice in designing and implementing a workout plan,” Lefrak points out. Classes provide camaraderie and support. “There’s nothing more empowering than enlisting the help of a friend who knows the way.”

“A lot of people fail because they never get into a group,” Lefrak says. “[Without] a sense of purpose, they get on a treadmill and get bored in a week or two. Nobody talks to them, they don’t know how to work the equipment–it’s overwhelming and frustrating.”

Set Realistic Goals

The second major pitfall involves immediate gratification, Lefrak says. “Working out is hard and results take time. That’s out of sync with today’s society [of] BOTOX[R] injections, nose jobs, liposuction. But if you can find an exercise you like and be patient, you’ll see results.”

Alves observes, be content with who you are. “Set goals that make sense for you. Don’t compare yourself to others,” she says. “What makes people successful is an overall change in their lifestyle. Look at what you need to add to your exercise regime–Pilates, cardio or strength training? Look at what you need to change in your eating habits–are your saturated fats, carbs and calorie intake in line? All these factors combined will make a difference.”

Schedule Your Workouts

“When you schedule your meetings and appointments, schedule your workouts too and honor the commitment,” Alves says. Personal growth and success depends on self-worth, she says. “Getting to the gym can be as simple as not going home after work. Pack your bag in the morning, or the night before, and go straight to the gym. By going home first, distractions will keep you there.”

Take Advantage of Services

It’s important for moms to schedule time for themselves, Alves adds. “Being a mom myself, I know it’s difficult to get out of the house in a timely manner, especially [to] attend a group fitness class.” That’s where the clubs’ babysitting service can help, she says. “Moms who come to the gym set a great example for their children. [And children will be] more likely to model that behavior as they grow older.”

Practice Good Nutrition

Lefrak, who watches famished members race home for dinner, emphasizes that good nutrition is even more important for people who exercise. “I have food in my bag and car, because I know [I’ll be able] to function when I exercise.”

Battling late afternoon hunger pains is an issue for many. The solution? “There’s a myriad of instant food products nowadays. Choose [something] with 200 to 400 calories–enough to keep your blood sugar from dropping and hold you for another couple of hours–and you’re set,” Lefrak says.

Carol Finlayson, MBA, is an accountant and freelance writer with a passion for health and fitness. She has been published in the Boston Herald, New England Writers Magazine and Boston Metro, among other publications.