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<title>Exercise Information and Resources | Exercise Machines | Abdominal Exercises</title>
<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/article.xml</link>
<description><![CDATA[Exercise Articles and Information  - Useful Articles related to Exercising: Exercise Machines, Back Exercises and much more.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:54:01 -0400</pubDate>
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<language>en</language><item>
	<title>Toning Exercise For Women</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Toning-Exercise-For-Women.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:54:01 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Toning-Exercise-For-Women.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[According to an Australian study of 7281 subjects, women have unique life reasons that can derail workouts. These include the birth of a child, marriage, single parenthood, a new job, divorce, overworking, job stress and returning to school. Time is a big consideration. After a day of work and childcare, most women prefer to spend their leisure time in socializing with family and friends, reading and watching television, rather than rushing to the treadmill.
It&rsquo;s just hard to be a girl!
The fact is that exercise has unique benefits for women. Regular exercise lowers estrogen levels, reduces body fat, and produces a healthier body mass index (BMI), all of which significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. In a study of 173 sedentary, overweight postmenopausal women, researchers had half the women do aerobic exercise for 45 minutes, 5 days a week and the other half perform weekly stretching. Since fat cells produce estrogen, fat loss lowered estrogen. The result: a lower risk of breast cancer. A survey of women, some with breast cancer, revealed that women who did more exercise, chores and had a physically demanding job were 26% less likely to develop cancer before menopause. They were also 19% less likely to develop postmenopausal cancer than sedentary women.
Strength training, in particular, has several benefits. When 27 menopausal women lifted weights for 8 weeks in a strength-training program at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, 33% had boosted energy and sex drive. Also, 40% felt less anxious, and 50% said they were less achy, stiff, and irritable. Hot flashes, headaches, and painful intercourse decreased. (Some authorities believe that daily multivitamins contain iron, which can offset the monthly iron loss during your menstrual period). As women grow older, weight training becomes more important.
For women, perceiving fitness as positive and favorable is important. Women who perceive themselves as having more energy, fewer emotional problems, less pain, fewer social problems and lesser feelings of nervousness and depression are more likely to start exercising. Also, women are more likely to continue exercising if they believe that they have more energy, fewer emotional problems, excellent health and less pain.
When starting an exercise program, it is important to remember a few basic principles &ndash;
Get The Right Exercise Routines. 
Ideally, you want a routine you can print out, take to the gym or use at home. It should include a start and end picture of exercises, along with a description of technique. Such exercise charts are available in health clubs and can be found on various websites like the one mentioned in the resource box. Always obtain a routine from a reliable source and ask questions if you don&rsquo;t understand anything.
Start With Moderate Exercise. 
The latest recommendations focus on moderate activity levels aimed at achieving functional fitness and avoiding disease. This differs from older guidelines that emphasized high-intensity activity for cardiovascular fitness. This shift took place because research found that lower levels of activity offered substantial health benefits. Also, public health experts believe that focusing on moderate rather than intense activity may help motivate more individuals. These guidelines don't mean that high-intensity exercise isn't helpful. They simply offer an alternative route for people who prefer less intensive workouts. If time is a factor, you may opt for more vigorous exercises, and shorten the duration of your workout.
What Is Moderate? 
Because the same activity elicits different levels of effort for people at different levels of fitness, the best way to recognize how hard you're working is to be aware of your breathing pattern, heart rate and exertion levels. Moderate-intensity activity is going to make you breathe harder than light activity, make your heart beat faster and likely make you sweat a little.
How Hard Is Moderate? 
Very light exercise results in no noticeable exertion. Reading the newspaper is a good example. Light exercise results in noticeable exertion and normal to slightly increased breathing. Walking a dog can be considered light exercise for many individuals. Moderate exercise is (surprise, surprise) moderately vigorous. Gardening, for example, may be associated with deeper breathing to panting and sweating. Finally, hard exercise involves vigorous exertion, gasping and heavy sweating. Think of that aerobics class that&rsquo;s hard to get through!
Source: Adapted from Exercise: A Program You Can Live With, Harvard Health Publications, February 2002.
How Much Exercise Is Needed? 
3-4 days a week of moderate exercise for 30-45 minutes each time. Researchers have found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and colon cancer. It reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, helps build bones and muscles, keeps joints functioning well, and in older women minimizes the risk of falling.
How Do You Find The Time? 
You don't have to fit your exercise all into one session or limit yourself to only one exercise. For example, take a brisk 15-minute walk during your coffee break and another after dinner. Use a bicycle for 15 to 20 minutes. It all adds up. You may find that you can reach an hour a day of moderate-intensity activity more easily than you thought.
If you have not done much exercise lately, start adding physical activity to your life with some simple tips. Park your car further from your destination and walk. Find a group of friends to walk with on weekend mornings. Garden or help in home repairs. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Use hand weights while walking. Vacuum while watching television. Every little bit helps!]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Six Tips To Keep Your Exercise Motivation</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Six-Tips-To-Keep-Your-Exercise-Motivation.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:53:13 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Six-Tips-To-Keep-Your-Exercise-Motivation.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The next time you start to slide with your exercise program, stop! On again off again exercise will never get you the results you want. Instead, use these six tips to stay on track and achieve and achieve your desired fitness goals:
1. Don&rsquo;t beat yourself up if you miss a workout. Life is full of challenges and unexpected obstacles. Setbacks happen. Don&rsquo;t let a couple of missed workouts turn into two months of inactivity.
2. Take a break. A plateau, burnout or lack of motivation might be your body asking for a break. Take an occasional break from your regular exercise routine for a few days or so, keeping active with some low intensity activities like walking or riding a beach cruiser.
3. Write it down. Does it ever seem like you&rsquo;re not getting anywhere? Monitor your program to adjust your regime as necessary. Writing it down also lets you measure the improvements you&rsquo;ve made over time, which is good to review during times of waning motivation.
4. Treat yourself to technology. Tools like heart rate monitors and calorie trackers make exercise more fun and let you see instantly the results of your efforts.
5. Club it. If you like to bike, run, swim or dance, join a club. The social component makes it fun while the group can provide accountability and motivation to stay on track.
6. See the whole picture. Focus on all the benefits of exercise, like how a good workout makes you feel or the decrease in your cholesterol level. The more benefits you can identify the more motivated you are to exercise, even at times when you don&rsquo;t feel like it.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>The Best Exercise For Weight Loss</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/The-Best-Exercise-For-Weight-Loss.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:52:45 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/The-Best-Exercise-For-Weight-Loss.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The best exercise for weight loss? There's no such thing, but no surprise there, right? Someone with leg problems can't run to lose weight, and swimming won't work without access to a pool. There is no one-size-fits-all prescription here. You just have to work out which exercises are best for you.
A Few Of The Best Exercises For Weight Loss
Raising your heart and breathing rate for a time at least three times a week is the general idea, and there are many ways to do that. Any activity will burn calories, though, so don't feel you have to start heavy workouts to get some benefit. A few possibilities and ideas follow, but talk to your doctor before starting any of the more athletic activities.
- Do things you enjoy doing, which also involve moving your body. You're more likely to persevere in your efforts if you enjoy yourself.
- Swimming can be a great weight loss exercise, because it is easy on the joints. Swimming in cool water also means your body burns calories heating itself.
- Walking is perhaps a better alternative to running or jogging. It's easier on the body, and delivers about the same benefits for the same distance traveled. It's also more enjoyable for many of us. Walking also can be done in large malls when the weather is bad outside.
- Climbing up and down stairs is a very aerobic exercise. It burns almost as many calories as jogging, without the problems of weather. In the right place, it can be more private too.
- Stationary bicycles are tough to use regularly because of the boredom factor. If you only allow yourself to watch your favorite television show while pedaling, however, you may feel more motivated.
- Parking the car far away from every place you visit can mean a lot of extra walking. Once you do it enough, it will become an almost unconscious habit.
- Walking the dog can be great exercise for you and the dog. It's also a good way to meet new people.
- Getting a job that requires physical activity can be a way to guarantee you'll get enough exercise. Just be sure it's something you can handle and enjoy.
- Gardening helps a lot of people burn calories while doing something enjoyable. It also can produce the healthy foods that help with weight loss.
What's available to you will determine what exercises you can use. You may also have some personal physical limitations. What you enjoy doing may be the most important consideration, however, because the best exercise for weight loss is the one you'll actually do.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Tips for Exercise Routines</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Tips-for-Exercise-Routines.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:52:24 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Tips-for-Exercise-Routines.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Design a routine workout that works best for you. It should combine cardio and weights. If you are trying to lose weight, you will need more cardio to burn fat. I would recommend your routine consist of 5 days of cardio and 2 or 3 days of weights. You may not be able to start out at this pace, but you can work up to this as you improve.
You should plan to change your routine every six weeks or so. This will keep the body from becoming used to the same routine. If you do the same workout all the time, the body will build up a tolerance and you will not get as much benefit. When you change your routine workout, you shock your body and it has to work harder to perform the different moves. You can change your routine workout in a variety of ways - increase the intensity, amount of weights, repetitions, length of time, workout days, workout time, equipment, type of workout or a combination. Changing your routine workout often will also keep you from getting bored.
For example, if you have been working out on the treadmill, you could increase your speed or the incline, or both. You could also add intervals doing high intensity for a short period and then recovery at a lower intensity. Another choice would be to take a spin class instead of using the treadmill. If you are lifting weights, increase the amount of weight or increase the number of sets and repetitions. Another change could be to use free weights if you have been using weight machines or do a different exercise to target the muscle group you are working.
Many people write down their routine workout, especially when lifting weights. This way they have a record of the amount of weight and repetitions. This makes it easy when it is time to change your routine workout and you will also see how much you improved by tracking the amount of weight and repetitions.
Always have a good mix of cardio and weights. Start at your pace and gradually increase as you are able. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. We have all heard the old saying &ldquo;no pain, no gain.&rdquo; It is true. If you want to change your body, you have to work at it. Just showing up at the gym will not do a thing for you.
Where you work out is not as important as how often and how hard you work out. I prefer to go to the gym because that gives me more motivation and options and I will work out harder at the gym than I will at home. But you can still get a good workout at home. So do what works best for you. I would highly recommend working with a personal trainer for at least a couple of sessions. It is very important to learn the proper form and way to do the exercises in order to get the benefit and avoid injury.
One of the best exercises you can do is the squat. This will work all the muscles in your legs and your glutes. Another good exercise tip is to incorporate a stability ball into your workout. By balancing on the ball, you engage your core muscles, so you are targeting more areas with one exercise. Sit on the ball to do shoulder presses or bicep curls. Or lay on the ball instead of a bench to do chest presses. By doing abdominal exercises on the ball, like crunches, you will work your abs about 20% more. A good exercise tip for lifting weights is to work opposing muscle groups without resting between sets. For example, work the quadriceps and then immediately work the hamstrings without resting in between.
A very important exercise tip is to be sure to drink plenty of water during and after your workout. I also recommend having a protein shake after your workout, especially if you lifted weights. This will aid in the recovery process and help build lean muscle mass.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Exercises For Lower Abdominal Toning</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Exercises-For-Lower-Abdominal-Toning.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:52:02 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Exercises-For-Lower-Abdominal-Toning.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Fitness is synonymous with a flat lower abdominal region. Regarded as the aesthetic center of the body, the abdominal region is of vital importance to health and well being. It is important in digestion and stability of the lower back. The muscles of your midsection are not isolated; they weave through your torso like a web of tissues and all muscles need to be trained in a balanced manner. When your abdominal muscles are weak, the muscles of the buttocks (the gluteus maximus) and the back of the thighs (the hamstrings) have to work harder to keep the spine stable.
The secret to developing great abs lies at least partially in ignoring conventional wisdom. For starters, treat your body as a complete unit rather than over emphasizing the waistline. The most common mistake made by most individuals is doing hundreds upon hundreds of abdominal exercises, but neglecting other calorie burning cardiovascular exercises. This includes walking, cycling, swimming, jogging etc. Strength training for the lower and upper body boosts metabolism, which is critical to low body fat.
THE 3 KEYS TO A TIGHTER MID-SECTION. 
1. Eat A Low-Fat Diet. 
2. Regular Aerobic Exercise. 
3. Perform Specific Abdominal Exercises To Firm And Tone The Abdominal Muscles For 5 Minutes Everyday. 
THE BEST EXERCISES FOR LOWER ABDOMINAL TONING 
The following exercises must be done 4-5 times a week, and the entire routine takes 6-8 minutes to complete. For best results, start with 15-20 repetitions and one set. Increase gradually to 2 sets. These exercises can be done at home, without cost and equipment - this is a free home abdominal workout! Complete the routine at least 2 times a week and you will see results within the first few weeks. These numbers are general guidelines. For best results, consult a personal trainer. If you have any injuries or medical ailments, please obtain a physicians clearance before starting any exercise program.
Reverse Curls &ndash; Lower Abdominal Muscles. 
Starting Position: Lie on your back with your hands at your sides. Raise your legs straight up in the air. Movement: Exhale as you bend your knees while curling your lower body towards your chest. Inhale as you slowly return your legs to the starting position. Remember to squeeze your abs, and repeat as required.
Lying Scissors &ndash; Lower Abdominal Muscles. 
Starting Position: Lie on your back on an exercise matt with your palms on the mat under your lower back and your legs outstretched. Movement: Exhale as you alternately raise your legs up in the air with a slight bend in them. Inhale as you lower your legs back down to the matt. Repeat as required.
Side Crunches &ndash; Oblique Abdominal Muscles. 
Starting Position: - Lie on your back with your knees bent together, and your waist twisted so that your legs lie on top of each other to one side of your body. Make sure your shoulder blades are evenly flat against the floor. Movement: - Exhale as you bring your upper body off the ground. This involves a contraction of your oblique abdominal muscles. Repeat the required repetitions. Switch your legs to the other side of your body to work the opposite side.
Abdominal Crunches &ndash; Upper Abdominal Muscles.
Starting Position: Lie flat on your back. Bend your knees and hips. Place your feet flat on the floor. Gently clasp the hands behind the head, with the elbows pointing outwards. Movement: Inhale before you begin. Exhale as you curl up slowly pulling your head, neck, shoulders and upper back off the floor. Remember to keep the chin away from the chest. Keep your lower back on the floor throughout the exercise. At the upper limit of this movement, &quot;crunch&quot; or squeeze the abdominal muscles by holding the position for 1 - 2 seconds. Slowly release the curling motion, and inhale as you return to the starting position. Repeat as required.
Bicycle Crunches &ndash; Oblique Abdominal Muscles. 
Starting Position: Lie on your back on an exercise matt with your knees bent and hands behind your head. Raise your knees into the air. Movement: Exhale as you alternately bring your elbows towards the opposite knee while crunching your upper body off of the matt. Inhale as you lower your legs back down to the starting position. Repeat as required.
Lying Face Down Plank &ndash; Lower Abdominal And Lower Back Muscles. 
Starting Position: Get on an exercise matt on all fours, with your elbows touching the matt directly underneath your shoulders. Extend your legs back as far as you can, and keep the toes on the floor. Movement: Raise the hips up and hold yourself in this &lsquo;plank position&rsquo; with your back completely flat. This is an excellent exercise for the hips, thighs and abdominal muscles. Since it involves so many muscles, it is strenuous in nature. Lower the hips slowly down to the mat. Repeat for 15-20 repetitions. (Most individuals find it hard to complete 15-20 reps for this exercise and 8-10 might be a more suitable starting point).
10 TIPS TO SUCCEED IN YOUR ABDOMINAL TRAINING PROGRAM 
1. Get a medical evaluation and a complete physician&rsquo;s clearance before beginning a fitness program. This is especially important if you're over 35, have been sedentary for a long time, have high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, are a smoker, or have chest pains or shortness of breath.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet at all times. Avoid gimmicks and fad diets.
3. Start your days smart by working out before breakfast. Research has shown that those who exercise in the morning are most likely to stick with an exercise program.
4. Do not do too much too soon. Try to stay within your limits, and only do what can be sustained.
5. Have a specific objective in mind when starting a new routine. Everybody wants to &quot;lose weight and get in shape.&quot; Try and reduce your waist measurement by 1 inch in the next 6-8 weeks with the strategies in this article.
6. The fitness program must fit your life. You should be comfortable with what you do and enjoy it.
7. Challenge your body every single time! Mix up the routine.
8. Get a workout partner, someone who motivates you.
9. Always warm up and cool down.
10. Stop if you have pain in the neck, lower back or abdominals. Your technique may be improper. Learn the right exercise technique from printable exercise charts or consult a certified personal trainer.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Why Should People Exercise?</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Why-Should-People-Exercise.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:50:56 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Why-Should-People-Exercise.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[These days more and more people are taking a renewed interest in physical fitness and exercise. This is due to a number of factors not least of which is a heightened interest in celebrities and famous people who have been placing a lot of emphasis on their own eating and exercise routines. Some have even started coming out with diets and similar products to help us all stay looking young and beautiful for ever.
However, the chances are that if you ask people why they personally exercise, it is highly unlikely that the answer they give you is that they want to look like Madonna or Geri Hallowell.
People exercise for a variety of reasons. The most basic reason is that they enjoy exercise. Many sports and other forms of exercise such as swimming are enjoyable ways for people to take a little bit of time out of their busy schedule and simply let their mind wonder. Some people enjoy spending time with their family so they go for a bike ride together on the weekend, others have friends in a sports team or club that they regularly exercise with.
Many people also exercise because they are very conscious of the health benefits. The simple fact of the matter is that everyone needs exercise and everyone wants good health. No matter what kind of shape you are in, a little exercise will go a long way. This advice does not only apply to young people who want to look good in the summer when they take their top off at the beach. Nor however, does this advice only apply to people with heart conditions and serious health concerns.
It applies to everyone. Exercise does not only mean weight loss. There are many people who do not need to lose weight, and as a result they feel that they don&rsquo;t need to exercise. You will be surprised at the benefits you can get out of exercise apart from simply enjoying the exercise itself. If you are having trouble then a little exercise during the day and you should find that you are sleeping more soundly at night time. Likewise if you are under a lot of stress or pressure, exercise is a good way of getting to grips with whatever is troubling you, or simply getting a break from it. If you have recently undergone a major change in your life, exercise can also give you a sense of control. As you can see, exercising is beneficial on so many levels. As the slogan for Nike reads &lsquo;Just Do It&rsquo;.]]></description>
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	<title>Work Out Properly on Rowing Machines</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Work-Out-Properly-on-Rowing-Machines.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:49:29 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Work-Out-Properly-on-Rowing-Machines.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[When you are working out on rowing machines or any other type of exercise equipment its possible to hurt yourself. As you travel the road to fitness you will find that you experience many aches and pains. The best way to avoid this is to work out properly.
Before you begin workout you must begin the warm-up and cool-down exercises that go with it. To warm up do some simple stretches or yoga. This will stretch out the muscles and limit your risks of sprain. In a cool-down routine you would do a similar set of stretches after your workout to ease your muscles and help to prevent cramps.
If you are injured on rowing machines limit the activity which initially caused your injury. If this was working out for too long or setting the tension too high reduce the one or other, or both. Though try to get back to exercising as soon as you can because exercise has actually been shown to speed up the healing process.
When you get a cramp from using rowing machines, you can try to get up and slowly walk around to ease the cramping. Sometimes you can stretch the cramp out until the muscle stops seasoning.
You can use alternating hot and cold on the injury to keep it from swelling up and hurting. Ice will slow down blood flow initially and keep it from swelling. A hot pack will seep in and ease the pain, relaxing muscles. Be sure to alternate every five to ten minutes.
Lastly for cramping, muscle pain and pinched nerves you can gently massage the area to ease away pain. This also helps to work out any kinks that may have occurred during your exercise routine. Be sure to check out some rowing machine reviews to see what others suggest to help prevent minor and major injuries.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Stationary Bikes Are Great</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Stationary-Bikes-Are-Great.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:49:05 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Stationary-Bikes-Are-Great.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Scientific studies have shown a direct correlation between physical environment and fitness level. It&rsquo;s something to keep in mind when planning where and how to use your new stationary bike. You may have already given up on the great outdoors for your cardio workout but have decided correctly that those with quick access to parks, trails, sidewalks and nice weather have an easier and more satisfying workout.
That does not mean that those who have opted for stationary bikes are to be short changed on the esthetic value of their workout time. If upon a careful stationary bikes reviews you decide to make that purchase, make similar choices about the placement and use times for that home exercise equipment. People often are so excited about the new equipment that they forget that the repetitive activity can become boring and enthusiasm soon fizzles.
Keeping that in mind, it becomes paramount to take measures from day one to facilitate the entertainment value of time spent on the stationary bikes. Consider things like other household members and their use of the space that you&rsquo;ve chosen. If your quarters are limited the dining room, then dinner time may be the worst time to use the stationary bike. If you have chosen to work out in the morning maybe headphones with an extra long cord will let you watch the stock market reports while others sleep.
Consider the physical environment carefully. Are you relegated to a dank basement at exercise time? Take the time to brighten the area. A little paint and posters that inspire you can go a long way. Favorite music or videos can make the time spent on the stationary bikes the best part of the day. Without such careful planning the time spent that you used on a stationary bike review might have been as well spent for other purposes.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>How To Find A Cheap Cross Trainer</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/How-To-Find-A-Cheap-Cross-Trainer.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:48:40 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/How-To-Find-A-Cheap-Cross-Trainer.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Purchasing a cheap cross trainer seems to be becoming more and more popular. They are of course eminently practical in that you can use them regardless of the outside weather conditions and if it's morning, evening or the middle of the night. They also give you a very good comprehensive workout and the fact that it is all contained within one machine makes them an ideal solution for many people seeking to exercise at home. But as with all things that must be purchased with money your finances will inevitably play a part in your choice. So many people actively seek out and decide to buy a cheap cross trainer without sacrificing any of the advantages that this home exercise machine has to offer.
When evaluating a cheap cross trainer it is important to make sure that the machine that you buy is fit for the purpose of getting you into better shape. There is no point in just concentrating solely on price unless you have a very restricted budget to the detriment of the quality of the machine and consequently it&rsquo;s ability to cope with the demands that you will place on it. That said, it is possible to get very good elliptical trainers at a very reasonable price if you look around and go through reviews on which is the best cheap cross trainer to buy.
But where is the best place to find a good cheap cross trainer? As with most things these days it is probably online. There are many good sites that that will sell exercise equipment at well below the market price that is prevalent in many of the normal exercise equipment shops and retail stores. After all, they have fewer overhead costs and thus are able to keep their prices lower and rely on large amounts of sales to make their profits. Although it may be more pleasant to wander around in a large exercise equipment store in order to choose an elliptical trainer at your leisure, you have to take into account the fact that you will also be paying for the facilities and also the staff costs. Naturally, all this will be factored into the store price for the cross trainer and consequently it is often higher than is available at a good online store.
Even if you're looking for a cheap cross trainer and you are shopping online it is still a good idea to shop around. After all, although exercise equipment is generally cheap online this is not necessarily true on every fitness equipment site. If you are prepared to put in a little work and do some research you can come up with some very good deals that will save you lots of money over the original retail price. Also remember, besides the usual exercise and equipment sites there are also price comparison sites that will allow you to look at which shops have the best deal for any particular exercise equipment and ensure that you get a great cheap cross trainer at a price you can afford.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Home Exercise Equipment Selection</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Home-Exercise-Equipment-Selection.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:48:19 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Home-Exercise-Equipment-Selection.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Exercise equipment is usually a hot item especially just after the new year. Guilt and hope for the future often prompt newbie exercisers to spend huge amounts of money on equipment they probably will not use longer than 6 months. The biggest draw to home exercise equipment is the privacy that exercising in home provides. Last year alone 5 billion dollars was spent buy American Consumers just on exercise equipment alone. Needless to say the purchasing of exercise equipment is a huge investment and not one that should be taken lightly. The best way to spend money effectively is to aggressively research and educate yourself on the particular type of home exercise equipment you would like.
An important questions to ask yourself are whether you enjoy exercising at home. If your already own and use workout video, floor mats, and free weights &ndash; then yes you probably do enjoy exercising at home. Also before buying high end home exercise equipment decide whether or not you can make due with less expensive exercise solutions. For example changing a mountain bike into a stationary bike with bike mount, or using free weights instead of weight machine. Then decide on where the exercise equipment you planned to buy should live. Measure the space and take those measurements when looking for home exercise equipment. Make sure the location you choose has all the amenities you need for exercise like a tv or radio. Make sure there is a window available for air flow.
A great solution to knowing which home exercise equipment works best for your is to go to the gym and try the equipment. Most gyms offer a monthly memberships which means you do not have to pay for more than a month. Make sure you go when the gym is not busy and try working out on various machines. If you have a gym attendant available ask him for advice. These people work with clients day in and out and may be able to help you flesh out what your needs are and what are the best home exercise solutions are.
Remember buying home exercise equipment is a big investment and if you want to spend your hard earned money efficiently you must first do the necessary research to know what you need and if you will use it. Exercise is great for your health and a correct investment in exercise equipment can add years to your life.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Home Gym Equipment</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Home-Gym-Equipment.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:47:54 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Home-Gym-Equipment.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Home gyms have now become a significant part of exercise programs. A gym at home gives you a chance to exercise in the worst weather, and without the worry of having to wait for your turn to use a machine. Home gym equipment has improved drastically over the last few years. Today, a wide range is available, ranging from the traditional weight bench to the multi-station gym. To set up a gym at home, you should start by purchasing the right equipment.
For your home gym to be effective, the following are crucial: an apt area of space; a seven-foot barbell; a power rack; a strong bench; cast iron weights; a calf block; dipping bars; chinning bars; and a pair of dumbbells.
A 7 x 10 feet area is perfect for a home gym. It is not mandatory to purchase everything that a public gym has; most of those machines go unused anyway. The abovementioned requirements should suffice for a home gym. The power rack is an absolute must, a necessity for such exercises as the squat and the bench press. Chinning and dipping bars generally come with the power rack. Also essential are cast iron weights and a seven-foot barbell. Standard bars and weights should suffice; still, if money allows, there is no harm in going for Olympic weights and bars. A strong bench is essential for bench pressing; so are adjustable dumbbells and a calf block.
Setting up a great home gym is a one off payment and may seem exorbitant initially. However, in purchasing the equipment you would probably be parting with as much cash as you would do for a year&rsquo;s usage of a public gym. Furthermore, the exercise equipment is yours for life.]]></description>
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	<title>Weight Loss Through Walking</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Weight-Loss-Through-Walking.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:47:34 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise/Weight-Loss-Through-Walking.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[No one really likes the thought of exercising to lose weight. Just the thought of seeing someone pumping iron, doing aerobics, while sweating profusely is enough to make anyone turn away. It doesn't have to be that way though. One of the greatest and simplest forms of weight loss is walking. Think about this for a minute.
- Walking is something we do every day of our lives. We don't need to learn how to do it. - Walking is inexpensive. No having to buy special food, pills, or liquids. You don't have to purchase exercise equipment, or join an expensive health club. - Walking does so much more than just help you lose weight. It helps with your overall fitness.- Walking is peaceful and can be a lot of fun.
When you decide to begin walking to lose those added pounds, there are only a few things to keep in mind.
Buy a good pair of walking shoes. Your feet will love you for this! Don't just throw on an old pair of 10 year old sneakers and begin walking 2 miles. You will regret it by the time your finished. Spend $40 or so and get yourself a nice pair of shoes to walk in. It's money well spent.
Be sure to wear a good thick pair of socks. It will help keep your feet even more comfortable. Also wear loose fitting clothing. If you try walking 2 miles in a tight fitting pair of pants, you may look good doing it, but you won't be feeling very good at the end of your walk.
Take a personal radio or CD player with you. Have a good set of headphones that stay on your head. Enjoy yourself while walking and losing weight.
One of the most important keys to walking and losing weight is to take it slowly. Don't try to overdo it and walk 5 miles your first few days, or weeks. Start out with a mile, or even less if necessary. Gradually work your way up to longer distances.
Pace yourself while walking. If you feel you're starting to get out of breath, stop for a while. You don't have to walk fast or jog to lose weight. Simply by walking a nice pace will give you surprising results.
Walk for at least 20-30 minutes at a time. If you only walk for 10 minutes, you're not going to see much in the way of weight loss. You need to walk for 30 minutes to get your heart rate up and body working. Also, try to walk at least 4 times a week. Every other day is good. Walking can be done in your neighborhood or in a nice local park. You can enjoy your surroundings and listen to your favorite music. 30 minutes will fly by before you know it.
Keep track of your weight loss with a good set of scales at home. By walking 2 miles, 3-4 times a week, you should begin seeing results within a week or two. By the end of a month you will be shocked at the pounds your body is losing. Walking is by far the easiest and most beneficial way to weight loss there is. It's natures way of keeping us all healthier.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Home Gyms</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Home-Gyms.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:47:10 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Home-Gyms.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The buzzword today is comfort. With the advancement in ideas and technology, there is an inclination to bring home the pleasures you generally find outside of it. A home gym is one such comfort. The television media is the perfect platform to showcase home gym products, and you find manufacturers advertising their products with all flair and gusto.
The presence of exercise equipment at your home is a great motivation to keep yourself in good physical shape. The benefits of having a gym at home are endless. Firstly, there would be no need for exorbitant membership fees, though gyms do offer the services of a trainer and in some cases massages, luxuries one does not necessarily get at home. Also, as many would agree, there is no more annoying feeling than a shortage of machines to work on. Having a personal set of equipment would mean more discipline and the right workouts at the right time.
Home gyms can be an exorbitant deal. However, if one is willing to purchase the machine and work with it diligently, then results are guaranteed over the long run. The exercise equipment can also be tuned to your personal needs, and a home gym rids the minor adjustments one would have to make in a public gym.
Before buying the equipment, though, the prudent thing to do would be to test it in the store you are buying from. That way you can be certain that the machines purchased matches up to your needs. The machines should be uncomplicated to assemble, mobile and easy to pack away. Incompetently made equipment can result in serious long-term injury.
If one keeps in mind these things while purchasing home gym equipment, then the personal gym is enjoyable and comfortable to work on. There is nothing like having exercise machines for workout 24/7.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>The Ugly Truth About Exercise Equipment</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/The-Ugly-Truth-About-Exercise-Equipment.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:46:23 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/The-Ugly-Truth-About-Exercise-Equipment.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[You have probably all seen the various fitness equipment commercials. The claims made in these commercials tend to stretch credibility to the limit. You are invited to &quot;Get the perfect abs in 10 minutes a day&quot; or even &quot; Have a sculpted body in no time.&quot; Each machine claims to use cutting edge technology with the express purpose to get you in shape and lose pounds with a minimal effort. Oh boy! If it was only that simple.
We all desire to look great and feel healthy but you have to put some work in. This usually takes the form of a vigorous exercise schedule combined with a properly balanced diet. In order to lose weight and achieve a well toned body you will have to burn calories on a regularly basis. You don't have to be a genius to figure that out.
There is a plethora of fitness equipment on the market and most are just fads which are fashionable for a few months then disappear never to see the light of day again. There is, however, one that is still a major player, and that is the treadmill. Torso Track, Total Gym 1000/2000, Ab Sculptor, Ab Rockers, Ab Doers, Slam Man, Thighmasters, Toning System, Door Gym, Orbitrek are the latest thing one day and then forgotten the next.
You may ask yourself why you never see treadmills sold on infomercials? The reason is simple. It is because it is not a high profit, hyped up, exercise gadget, which is more the product of clever marketing than a serious piece of exercise equipment. Most infomercial equipment is designed for just one purpose, to make as much money as soon as possible before people discover that they don't work. Most of the price of this equipment is used in order to market it.
So who would possibly want to buy this stuff? Usually it is people who mistakenly believe that there are shortcuts to weight loss and getting in shape. Achieving your fitness goals requires that you put in some work and the results will not happen over night. No machine is going to produce the results you desire without commitment from yourself.
Have you ever seen any infomercial equipment at a health club? No, because they don't work and they're not built to last. What you will see, however, are a number of treadmills, often with people waiting their turn to use them.
It really boils down to this. Getting fit is really the prodcut of two things - time and effort. The more time and effort you put into exercising the more calories you are going to burn and the more weight you will lose. If you are looking for fitness equipment that will maximize your efforts, then a treadmill is the obvious choice.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Get Fit - Choose the Right Treadmill</title>
	<link>http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Get-Fit-Choose-the-Right-Treadmill.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:46:01 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Exercise Equipment</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.TheExercisePad.com/info/Exercise-Equipment/Get-Fit-Choose-the-Right-Treadmill.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Today everybody has become health conscious and wants to stay fit, but going to the gym can be a luxury which many people do not enjoy because of time constraint. You can solve this problem by getting a treadmill for your home. Not only can you workout at home without having to go anywhere, you can also exercise at your convenience anytime you want. A treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment where you run on the spot, without moving any distance. You can exercise while watching TV, or even read while you run. Even when there is bad weather you can run indoors.
The working system of a treadmill is the belt system. The top of the belt moves to the rear, allowing you to run an equal and necessarily opposite speed. The speed and the distance covered can be set or measured. You can also change the rate of speed when you need. Because all factors of the run are known, the exact energy spend is able to be calculated. Some treadmills also have special built-in features such as heart rate monitors, step count, amount of calories burnt, etc.
How to choose the right treadmill:
Well, after deciding you want to buy a treadmill for yourself, but looking at the number of different treadmills available, you may get confused as to which one is best. There are lots of things you need to consider. Price is of course something you need to consider, but remember never to compromise on money when it comes to your fitness and health; after all you do not want to feel sorry later. Don't become a slave to price. Consider the durability and functionality first, and then come to the price.
Before you set out to buy a treadmill, first decide where you want to put it, and measure up the space. If space is an issue, you may want to choose a model which folds for storage. One important factor that you need to consider while choosing the treadmill is its motor. Choose one that has a larger and heavier motor if you are looking for long lasting and durability. There are two ratings of horsepower. Peak duty rating is rated on the treadmill tag, and continuous duty rating, which is very important as it determines the quality and the duration of the treadmill, is stamped on the motor. Get a 1.5 continuous duty horsepower or higher if your weight is more than 185 pounds.
Pay attention to the size of the walking track and the walking deck. Get a thick size deck at least 3/4 inches thick, for comfort of the feet and legs. The length of the walking track should be at least 48 inches and the width about 17 inches, so that you do not step off the track. You can get a longer track if you are going to run on the treadmill. Next check the shock absorption. Avoid buying treadmills that have shock absorbers on the legs as this is not effective shock absorption. The treadmill's suspension must be directly under the walking deck to provide effective cushioning for the legs, feet and back. Foam or rubber is used for the padding. Foam can be softer and more comfortable than rubber, but it requires more time to return to its original size after impact, where rubber can recover to full thickness instantly and is a better shock absorbent.
Some treadmills even have a range of special preset exercise programs that can automatically change speed and can even measure your heart rate. They can be more expensive than the usual treadmills, so if you are on a limited budget you could always buy a cheaper one and get a separate heart rate monitor and develop your own programs.
Bring one home!
Walking is a very effective exercise which everybody is able to do. It is basic, doesn't require a lot of coordination, and can be an excellent way to deal with stress by clearing your head. Anybody of any age can do it, and it is the same for a beginner as well as for an athlete. So, if you are an indoor person, cannot go to a gym, or if you do not get time to go out to exercise, you can get a treadmill and exercise at home whenever you can and want to.]]></description>
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