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Archive for August, 2009

New Fitness Venture? Try Fitness Equipment Leasing

by Tony Dana

If you are staring a new business such as a gym or a health & fitness club, you may want to take a look at the fitness equipment leasing option. Starting up these types of businesses can be expensive and you need to watch what you are spending. Due to the fact that you can lease various equipment, you will be able to save some of your capital but still ensure that you are providing the very best products for your own members.

Many people take the route of requesting a large bank loan to get their business up and running. They think that this is the only way to ensure that they can buy quality equipment. Taking the route of fitness equipment leasing means that you can avoid having to ask for that loan. You will get the quality equipment you want, but are less likely to have to pay a huge deposit. You will also be paying regular and affordable monthly payments.

You may be worried about taking this opportunity if you have a poor credit score or think that you do not have enough money as an initial investment amount. In all likelihood, a leasing agent is far more likely to approve people in this situation than a bank manager would. Arranging a lease is straightforward, quick and can usually be done via the internet.

The equipment that is offered is usually vast and will include items such as weight benches, dumbbells, aquatic equipment, rowing machines, massage beds and a treadmill machine. Some providers offer much more, all for a very reasonable rate. The equipment will be state-of-the-art and will include the top names in the fitness equipment world.

There is the option of buying commercial items such as a treadmill machine that have already been used. This is possible, but don’t you want to provide the best and newest equipment for your clients? Agents that lease these machines will pass any valid warranty for the item onto you as part of the leasing agreement. Generally, leases of a period of no less than 12 months are given and penalties are not applicable should you wish to pay the lease off earlier than planned. Choosing this option over a bank loan may also mean that you qualify for tax deductions.

Many fitness equipment leasing agents will allow you to spend between $5,000 and $200,000 to make sure that your premises is fully operational. The application process can be as quick as 48 hours and you can request that the equipment comes from more than one vendor if you wish.

One point to remember is that the leasing agent may not let you cancel the lease and so it is best to make sure that you are able to make the regular payments for the set lease period. Also, the equipment such as the treadmill machine cannot be returned until the lease has expired.

You will find much more information about fitness leasing equipment on the World Wide Web. Many of the vendors and agents that deal with this type of business have their own websites. This way you can browse the organizations to find the best deal for you as a new business.

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Base Training Essential For a Cyclist

by Alison Addy

A cyclist starts the base phase before he performs the stress training. Base training is the foundation of his whole training program which helps him to compete in races. His planning and monitoring go a long way in the success of base phase. He can plan the volume of his workout and the time to be spent on riding. During this training, he perfects good riding position. A total time of 8 to 12 weeks is allotted by the cyclist to improve his riding technique and form. He develops efficiency during this period. If his instructor finds defects in the bike position or pedal stroke, the cyclist can use his own time to correct them. His intensity is not increased during the base phase because it results in overwork and injury. His muscle groups get used to the stress that is generated. Low intensity stress applied during the base phase prevents injury.

A beginner in cycling should buy his new bicycle before the base phase starts and adjust the position of the handle bar and saddle height to suit his posture. All variations in posture form and riding on bumpy roads should be tried during the base phase only since the volume of riding is high and sufficient time is allotted for good training.

In the beginning, the cyclist should ride for lesser distances during the first two weeks. His fitness level decides the distance he covers. He should have in mind the goal distance to be covered in the final phase of this training. From this figures, he can chart out steady increments in the volume of riding for the successive weeks. For example, if a cyclist decides to start his training with 200 kilometers in the first week and end with 500 kilometers in the final week, he can plan such that he covers 300, 250, 300, 375, 400, 350, 400, 450, 475 and 425 kilometers in the middle ten weeks of his base training. A combination of increase and slight decrease in the distances makes his legs grow stronger. By alternating recovery period and stress period, his stamina grows to a large extent. He allows rest days when the body becomes more fit. While beginners cover smaller distances as the goal, they can ride for 4 days a week, elite cyclists can leave one day for rest and ride longer distances as the volume goal during the others days in the week.

Base training has to be supplemented with cross training like running, strain training and swimming. These training schedules increase his aerobic capacity and endurance.

Read full articles about aerobic heart zone and bike training available at this web.

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Where Can I Find Used Treadmills For Sale?

by Dave Johnson

Treadmills can be so expensive. For a new motorized treadmill you can be expected to pay up to $5000. It is often the case that the more expensive the machine the better the quality. But what do you do when you can’t afford a brand new treadmill? Cheap new treadmills are often underpowered and of poor quality, so why not trying to find used treadmills for sale?

Every New Year, many make a resolution to lose weight and buy a new treadmill intending to exercise and see results. But as the year passes, the resolution fades away and the treadmill begins to get dusty and unused. Then they decide to give away their used treadmills for sale which are almost unused. They will practically be termed as ”used treadmills’ but often will be new ones.

To save several hundred of dollars, you can buy used treadmill. As long as you make sure that the equipment works well and the deal is good, it will be worth the money spent. Here are a few places where you can find used treadmills for sale:

1. Local Classifieds Ads. Many people will advertise in the local ads so why not jot down a list of them and view your favorite ones.

2. Auction websites. By looking through online listings and sites such as eBay you can grab yourself a bargain but remember that shipping costs will be high for heavy items.

3. Charity thrift stores. Several larger charity stores will sell fitness equipment.

4. Local gyms and fitness clubs. Some gyms and clubs will sell their old treadmills for cheap prices.

5. Garage sales. Most people have garage sales because they want to make room for new things. They are less likely to do it for the money so this is a good way of ensuring you get a bargain.

Wherever you choose to buy your treadmill from be sure to check for quality. You can usually tell a cheap treadmill by just looking at it but sometimes it can be a bit more difficult. Check the moving parts and cables for wear and tear, give the treadmill a trial run and be sure to ask lots of questions. Ask things like how old the machine is, where it was bought from, whether it comes with a warranty and if it has undergone any repairs.

There are so many different places you can find used treadmills for sale so why not take a look today? Remember to do your research and check prices. A good quality treadmill will be worth every penny.

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Looking for the Right Inexpensive Treadmill

by Manuelle Fergus

It is pretty vital to know what your options are when buying a treadmill as even when they are cheap that is still a sum of money you do not want to spend rashly. There are treadmills you can find that are less than the normal price but are still a quality product. The problem is there are also cheap motorized treadmills being sold that are not sturdy, have poor features and the motor power is far too low. So if you were planning on using it daily for extended running or walking times they would probably break down quickly from the wear and tear.

However there are ways to get a motorized treadmill that has what you need and is sturdy enough for you and at lower prices. There are places where cheap does not necessarily mean cheap in quality too.

Make sure you get smart when dealing with mass merchant treadmills as they have a lot of experience, surveys, industrial designs and customer focus groups all put together with the purpose on getting you to buy their treadmill even if it isn’t suitable for your requirements. They lure you in with all the right words they have learned from their marketing and though the treadmills of themselves may be okay, they may not be great. If you are unsure about a piece of equipment check out its motor as quite often it is that part of the treadmill that is a give away about its quality.

The other option when looking for a good deal is to look at specialty store treadmills. Stores that sell exercise equipment have sales people that have good product knowledge and can help you find what you want. You also get that important guarantee but the only way to get it cheaper is to look when they are having sales, Christmas time for example. You can always barter with the sales person, sometimes there is some give in the price they first ask for.

Another great place for good deals on treadmills is the internet. Merchants tend to have some very good offers and bargains sometimes up to 45% off retail store prices. Although you can only see the treadmill by pictures and features, most have good return policies and you get the bonus of shopping from your own home and having it delivered.

So well done on deciding it is time to get exercising and use these little tips to save some money when looking for a treadmill.

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Great Ways to Find Discount Fitness Equipment

by Tony Dana

Discount fitness equipment is something that you should look into if you are considering starting a new exercise routine. It is not necessary to approach manufacturers or certain retailers direct and end up paying full price for equipment that you can get elsewhere. In all honesty, many people are concerned with price and this is what determines where we buy from. This does not mean that you have to compromise on quality; discount retailers can offer items at a cheaper cost and still make a comfortable profit.

The internet is currently the leading option for purchasing discount fitness equipment. It is common for retailers to only accommodate online users and they have deals where they can provide superb quality but at a reduced cost. This is possible due to the fact that they have fewer business overheads such as offices. Any seller worth their salt will automatically pass savings onto their customers which will help them to stay in business for longer.

Searching online, looking at equipment in the local department stores and fitness shops will give you an idea about what exactly it is you are looking for in terms of fitness products. Whilst you may opt to purchase items online due to the money you will save, it is worth spending some time in the shops and stores too. This way you can test the equipment and get to know the layout and features that it has. You can determine size and durability as well as confirming it is the product that you really want.

You may get the urge to buy fitness equipment whilst in the stores, but it really is a better option to purchase items online if possible. Hundreds of the online retailers can easily beat the price you would pay in a physical store and they offer free delivery or shipping. Although you will have to wait a bit longer to try out your equipment, it is worth remembering that you will save a lot more money on the products and delivery costs.

If you decide to order discount fitness equipment online, then it is likely that you will be offered package deals that include necessary accessories. For example, you may purchase a treadmill and be offered free treadmill mats. The purpose of treadmill mats is to reduce the amount of damage that can be caused to flooring in your home or home gym. They can also reduce the amount of noise generated by the machines whilst working out. One of the best features of treadmill mats is that they stop dust entering the belts of the treadmills from the flooring itself.

It is tempting to go and splash out on a whole new set of fitness equipment but there is also the option of buying second hand goods. Many providers can give you equipment that has only been used several times and is in near perfect condition but will cost you far less. Many people choose to buy their equipment this way for that very reason. A brief search online will throw up many retailers with these items available for purchase.

Whether you opt to purchase items online or in a department store, be sure to check that the equipment is in full working order and fully intact. Follow any manufacturer’s guidelines closely and any part of the machine that looks faulty should be investigated. In particular, cords and cables should be complete. If they appear broken or exposed then do not use the equipment at all; it is possible that you could be seriously hurt or killed in this situation.

With all this information about discount fitness equipment to hand, you can now start to decide how and what items you are going to purchase. It would be nice to be able to afford to buy completely new stuff but this can be a very expensive exercise indeed. The internet will provide all of the retailers you need to be able to find the cheapest and qualitative equipment you need that is the best choice for you and your workout environment.

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Horizon Fitness T93 Treadmill: The Best Treadmill In Its Class?

by Michelle Johnson

Horizon’s top-selling treadmill has one of the highest ratings for home treadmills. If you are in the market for a first treadmill, definitely check out this machine. Incredibly comfortable and well-equipped, the Horizon Fitness T93 is one of the best value-buys in the treadmill market today. The T93 has been compared to premium health club treadmills and, at a great price of under $1000, it is a steal in this highly competitive industry.

The Horizon Fitness T93 folding treadmill is the ideal machine for beginners trying to establish a home exercise routine. The T93 is an easily adjustable treadmill on which you can watch tv, read books, or listen to MP3’s on the machine’s built-in MP3 port (state-of-the-art speakers included).

Whether running or walking, the Horizon Fitness T93 offers an invigorating cardio workout on a cushioned belt that keeps your knees from wearing down prematurely. The adjustable ComfortSelect cushioning system is perfect for those who want to run one day and walk the next. Much easier on sensitive joints like the knees and hips, the T93 surface has a long, padded platform that offers plenty of room for long strides while providing a comfortable, low-impact jog without the jarring effects of concrete or asphalt.

The Horizon T93 treadmill is sturdy and amazingly quiet. In fact, the quietness is what drew me in. While running atop the ComfortSelect padding system, it feels like you are running on air. Time ceases to exist. The next thing you know, you have been running for an hour and burned 1000 calories. I couldn’t believe it the first time I tried out the T93. It was like running atop a premium health club treadmill without the crowds or the smells. The Horizon T93 is logically designed and very capable. An orangelit LCD panel (amply sized) features 14 different workout programs that can be implemented on 4 different terrains.

This folding treadmill is easy to store thanks to the Horizon Fitness FeatherLight lift engineering. Hyrdraulic shocks help you raise and lower the deck so its not impossible to store. So if you are in the market for a folding, home treadmill, be sure to investigate the Horizon T93. The most durable treadmill in its class, the Horizon T93 sells at under $1000 and we find the value for the quality to be superior to other popular brands like Proform or Sole.

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A Review of the Smooth 7.6 HR Pro Treadmill

by Travis Van Slooten

When you start paying around $2,000 for a treadmill, you’re looking on the higher end of what is offered. You will likely see plenty of different options and extras at this price range, but you still have to make sure you are buying something built to last. Smooth is known for durability and they are offering a treadmill with enough features to keep almost anyone interested. While you may get the same warranty as more treadmills in the range, you’re less likely to need it if you buy a high quality treadmill.

There’s nothing worse than a clunky, noisy treadmill and thankfully the Smooth 7.6 HR Pro lives up to Smooth’s reputation for quality. The whole unit feels to be solidly constructed and the deck features a unique running surface that is soft at the front to cushion your foot landing, yet much stiffer further back to really allow you a solid base to push off for your next stride. The unit is also very quiet, meaning you can use it in an apartment or flat without disturbing or annoying your neighbors.

For tall runners, or those simply looking to hit their full stride, you will be pleased to know that the 7.6 HR Pro comes with a long 60 inch belt. The 3 HP motor that powers this belt will take you up to 12 miles per hour, so almost anyone will find their place on this treadmill. And that wide range of users is accommodated by a display which offers up to 9 different runner profiles. That’s enough to keep the entire household running with room to spare.

You can keep an eye on everything from your speed to the distance covered on the display readout, and you can even keep track of your heart rate using a wireless belt. For those who enjoy multi-tasking you can even monitor different data at the same time thanks to the multiple screens. A slight disappointment is that there aren’t any features here that you can’t find anywhere else, however Smooth do offer exceptionally high quality treadmills for a relatively low price, so this isn’t a major complaint.

There is one thing you won’t find on many other treadmills. Smooth offers a push button folding technology on the 7.6 HR Pro. Rather than a manual hydraulic lift, you simply press a button and the treadmill folds itself away. When you consider the 300 pound weight of the treadmill, not having to fold it away after a workout is an appealing option. You may also want to consider the in-room delivery as the 300 pounds makes it nearly impossible to move in from the free curbside delivery. But once you get running on this model, you’ll discover what it is that makes Smooth such a well-liked brand.

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A Review of the Sole S73 Treadmill

by Travis Van Slooten

When you star looking at treadmills between $1,000 and $2,000 dollars, you will be hard-pressed to find better a better value than a Sole. You get great construction quality and a smooth, comfortable run. You may not get as many gizmos, but you still get a solid machine. Sole continues that tradition with the S73. For anyone looking to spend less, but still get a quality run without the gimmick technology on many treadmills, you can usually find success looking at the Sole brand.

The S73 is closely related to the F83; in fact the only real difference between the two is that the S73 does not fold away. Apart from that the majority of the parts are the same, so if you don’t mind losing the folding mechanism then you are essentially getting the same equipment and saving yourself a bit of money. Some people find non-folding treadmills feel much more stable, and because Sole have been able to get rid of the folding mechanism the S73 weighs in at just 250 pounds.

One of the best features of the Sole line is one you will probably never think to look for. The 2.75 inch rollers are standard only on machines costing twice as much as the S73 and offer a great run with less wear on the treadmill. You still get a powerful 3 HP motor and a 58 inch long running space. While the S77 boasts more power and space for just a little more, the S73 can save you some money if you don’t need the extra size. The warranty that covers all of this is top notch as well. The motor and frame are covered by a lifetime warranty and you get a 5 year parts warranty and 2 year labor warranty.

This price bracket is very competitive, and the S73 is up against a lot of other treadmills and ironically, many of these treadmill competitors are from the same company, Sole. The S73 may not have all of the latest fashionable features that other models may boast, but you have to ask yourself — do these these actually matter?

You should definitely make sure to do your homework and get the model that is best for you before you spend your money. But if you do end up with an S73, you will have a reliable machine that will offer you years of great running.

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Smooth 7.6 HR Pro Treadmill Review

by Travis Van Slooten

When you start paying around $2,000 for a treadmill, you’re looking on the higher end of what is offered. You will likely see plenty of different options and extras at this price range, but you still have to make sure you are buying something built to last. Smooth is known for durability and they are offering a treadmill with enough features to keep almost anyone interested. While you may get the same warranty as more treadmills in the range, you’re less likely to need it if you buy a high quality treadmill.

The first thing you expect from a Smooth treadmill is for it to be, well, smooth. Nothing is worse than a loud clunky treadmill when you are trying to get your workout in. Fortunately, the deck is very well-constructed and features a unique running surface. The impact is soft up front where your feet land, but harder in the back so you have something to push off of. This gives the Smooth a very different, but enjoyable, feel when you’re running on it. The deck is also quiet enough to use in your home without waking the neighbors, something many commercial treadmills lack.

For tall runners, or those simply looking to hit their full stride, you will be pleased to know that the 7.6 HR Pro comes with a long 60 inch belt. The 3 HP motor that powers this belt will take you up to 12 miles per hour, so almost anyone will find their place on this treadmill. And that wide range of users is accommodated by a display which offers up to 9 different runner profiles. That’s enough to keep the entire household running with room to spare.

The display also offers a progressive readout on your workout, including a wireless heart rate control monitor. The multiple screens let you tailor your feedback to yourself. What you end up getting is essentially everything the competition has to offer, but with the guarantee of Smooth quality.

There is one thing you won’t find on many other treadmills. Smooth offers a push button folding technology on the 7.6 HR Pro. Rather than a manual hydraulic lift, you simply press a button and the treadmill folds itself away. When you consider the 300 pound weight of the treadmill, not having to fold it away after a workout is an appealing option. You may also want to consider the in-room delivery as the 300 pounds makes it nearly impossible to move in from the free curbside delivery. But once you get running on this model, you’ll discover what it is that makes Smooth such a well-liked brand.

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A Review of the Sole F80 Treadmill

by Travis Van Slooten

Many mid-range treadmills offer a few extras, but they tend to sacrifice quality to save a little on the price.. But Sole is trying to debunk that by offering a sturdy treadmill with lots of features at a price that other mid-range treadmills would have trouble matching. You can find the Sole F80 at around $1,500 if you look hard enough and for that money you get a surprising amount of goodies.

If you’re looking for a treadmill, you’ve no doubt searched a dozen reviews by now. And you would be hard-pressed to find a review of this machine that has something negative to say. As it turns out, there is good reason behind that. Primarily because of the origins of the Sole F80. It was designed as a commercial-grade product for hotel chains. They needed a treadmill that could stand up to anyone, last until the sun went out and never sacrifice quality for price. What they got was the Sole F80.

The first thing that really grabs your attention is the generous warranty that Sole are offering their customers. When you buy an F80 the deck and motor are covered by a lifetime warranty, the major electronics are covered for 5 years and you even get 2 years parts and labor. It really is hard to find a better deal within this price range, however even the most comprehensive warranty can’t make up for a cheaply made product…so how does the F80 fare?

Fortunately, cheap only indicates the price and not the quality. You get a few extras that compete with other similarly-priced treadmills. There is dock for an iPod or MP3 player, which you won’t find in every treadmill. You also get the highly rated Cushion Flex deck, which reduced impact without springing back. You also get an often overlooked feature in the 2.75 inch rollers. Oversized rollers spin less and last a great deal longer without sacrificing any running quality.

You also get some nice extras with controls on the armrests and an attractive display showing you everything you need to know about your workout. The whole package weighs over 200 pounds and is very solid, yet still comes with a folding deck for reducing space. Unfortunately, that space reduction also means that the belt is fairly short. At only 55″ long it may cause some problems for runner with longer legs. But that seems like a minor complaint compared to everything else the treadmill has to offer. If you are looking for a solid mid-range treadmill at a reasonable price, the Sole F80 has a lot to offer.

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