If you have done any research at all you have probably come across articles telling you how unreliable used equipment is and how even the best used equipment comes without any warranties so that if they break down the day after you buy them you are out the money and the machine. You have also probably been told or read on those new equipment websites, how buying new equipment will save you money in the long run.

However, this is not always true and there are times when purchasing second hand commercial exercise equipment may be better both for your health and your wallet. Here are just a few things to consider before turning down that used equipment for new.

The Difference Between Home Gym Equipment and Commercial Exercise Equipment

Commercial gym equipment is designed and made for use in a commercial setting. Which means this equipment has to be sturdy enough to hold up to use day after day by people of different sizes, shapes, and weights. Home gym equipment is usually designed for less strenuous use, usually for 20 minute routines two or three times a week. Also this equipment is not expected to perform under the sizes and weights and extremes that commercial equipment is, chances are that the machines are not made with the same quality parts and are far less durable.

Most warranties only cover some parts and some of the labor, so repairs still may be costly. In addition, if you are a heavier person keep in mind that most home exercise equipment are made to be used by people 250 pounds or under, therefore, if you weigh a bit more than that chances are your new equipment simply won’t hold your weight making using it impossible.

Affordability

Most people who purchase home exercise equipment cannot afford to purchase the top of the line, therefore, you will probably have to settle for a less expensive and lower quality machine than you would really like. With a commercial machine, even a used one you can more often than not get more quality for the amount of money you have to spend meaning simply that you will buying a better and longer functioning machine.

Warranties

The truth is that there are many companies who take used commercial machines restore them to almost as good as new then sell them at a discount price which often includes a limited warranty. This means that not only will you be buying a better quality machine at a lower price, but that you will also have some protection if anything goes wrong.

As you can see buying used commercial exercise equipment may in the long run prove to be the better buy both for your health and your wallet. However, like anything else you need to carefully shop to get the right machine for the right price and there are a few questions you might like to ask before purchasing any used exercise equipment. Here are a few things you will want to know.

    *      The age of the machine. While buying a commercial machine that is a few years old is certainly acceptable you are not looking for an antique and you want to be sure that there are parts available should your exercise machine need repairs.

    *      What was done to the machine when it was refurbished. You are going to want to know if the machine was thoroughly inspected and any worn belts or parts replaced or if the machine is being sold as is.

    *      You are also going to want to know the price, after all buying a used commercial machine only makes sense if it truly saves you money.

If the answers to these questions are to your liking go ahead buy that used commercial equipment.

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The two most common types of home gyms are universal and free weight home gyms. Universal home gyms can be used to exercise every muscle group in the body, while free weight home gyms are usually less versatile. Universal home gyms on the average are more expensive and take up more space than free weight home gyms. Both universal and free weight models can be the best depending on what the consumer is looking for.

For a household whose members have different fitness goals, a universal home gym is probably the best buy. There are two main types of universal gyms, those that have a weight stack built in, and those that use an alternative form of resistance. The alternative to weights can be long, flexible bows, industrial strength rubber bands, or cables. Both forms of resistance are designed to flow smoothly and help the user avoid any unnatural strain. Care should be taken to ensure that universal home gyms are used properly and the user is not jerking or yanking on the equipment. Improper use could lead to pulled muscles and painful strains.

Both types of universal home gyms have their advantages. Those with weight stacks are often seen as more durable. They are along the lines of what is found in a public gym; however, home gyms with built in weight stacks are also among the most expensive on the market. Prices range from around $800 on the low end to well over $2,500 for a top quality machine. The disadvantages to these home gyms, besides the price, are that they are large, heavy, and immobile.

Universal home gyms that use alternative forms of resistance are less expensive than those with weight stacks. The Weider Crossbow, for example, costs around $500. Home gyms of this type are smaller and lighter than systems with weight stacks. Some alternative resistance home gyms can be compacted to fit in a closet.

Free weight home gyms include some of the best home gyms on the market. They are less expensive, take up less space, and are more traditional than universal home gyms.

A free weight home gym can be very useful for strength and endurance building exercises. There are three main types of free weight home gyms: the weight bench, the power rack and the power cage. One thing that all of these home gyms have in common is that the buyer has to purchase the weights separately. Some people buy more than one type of free weight home gym in order to have more versatile workout options.

A weight bench home gym consists of an adjustable bench, collars, a long metal bar, some dumbbells, a rack, and weights. The user puts the weights on either the bar or dumbbells and secures them with the collars. The bench can be adjusted depending on the type of exercise the user wants to do. A full weight bench home gym can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand.

A power rack is a tall structure with a long metal bar and various heights where the bar can be placed. Power racks are good for strength exercises such as squats and lateral lifts. Power racks cost in the range of $500 to $1,000.

A power cage is very similar to a power rack, but it has a more three dimensional structure that limits the forward and backward movement of the user. Power cages on average cost a few hundred dollars more than power racks.

Free weight home gyms, especially weight benches, can be perfect for people whose main goal is to build strength. One problem with free weights is that they can be less safe than universal gyms. It is a good idea to have a second person present to spot the person exercising.

Home Gyms Info provides detailed information on cheap, best, used, discount, free weight, and universal home gyms, plus reviews of best home gym products, and more. Home Gyms Info is the sister site of Whey Protein Web.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson

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Adjustable Dumbbells Only For You

Weight training in the 1970′s was reserved for body builders like Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the 1980′s women bodybuilder’s started to become popular when Corey Everson hit the scene. The 1980′s also saw a large influx in gym memberships as the fitness craze hit and there were few Home Gyms. Men and women both joined the gym to get in better shape, build muscle and look better. Suddenly, weight lifting wasn’t just for men or body builders. It was commonplace to see women with a set of adjustable dumbbells or lifting at the weight benches. People flocked to the gyms in search of the perfect work out and we haven’t looked back since.

Bodies with muscle burn more fat at rest than bodies with less. The best way to take weight off and keep it off is through diet, aerobic exercise and free weights training. Diet prevents the body from adding more fat, aerobic exercise removes the fat that has accumulated and weight training keep it off by increasing metabolism. Also, muscle adds more shape to a body than aerobic exercise alone. Muscle also has memory. Shaping the muscles at a young age keeps the body youthful and even when we fall off the wagon, our muscles remember and it is easier to shape them again than to do it for the first time at 40.

There are many ways to increase muscle with weight training. Probably the most versatile piece of equipment is the dumbbell. Dumbells consist of a small rod with two weights on either side. The hand wraps around the bar to do a variety of different exercises. Different from a barbell which is used by two hands at all times, dumbbells allow the body to move in a variety of different and free ways. Exercises for the upper body range from bicep curls to shoulder flies. By focusing on one arm at a time, you can develop more even muscle than with a barbell, where one arm may be stronger and take up more of the effort.

Different styles such as Compact Dumbbells, Hex Dumbbells, Pro-Style Dumbbells, Rubber Dumbbells, Chrome Dumbbells, Solid Steel Dumbbells, Neoprene and Vinyl Dumbbells offer even more variety. Another benefit of dumbbells is their cost. Ranging from $24 to $182, they are an affordable piece of equipment that does so much. Some styles allow you to change the weight on each side, while others come in a stack of varying weights from 2.5lbs to 50lbs. each.
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When putting together a home gym, a set of dumbells is usually one of the first purchases. Women love the many colors of the Neoprene and Vinyl dumbells while men love the versatility of being able to use the stacked version and change up on the fly. A dumbell is the universal sign of bodybuilding. A little boy wanting to mimic his dad or a bodybuilder will pick up a dumbell or a brick and curl it. Dumbells are used in aerobic classes at gyms around the country to combine an aerobic activity with weights. And runners or walkers can be seen curling dumbells as they walk or run down the street. Dumbells are universal and a great way to shape the arms and the legs.

By: Roy Cornell

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more tips and information about adjustable dumbells, check out hubpages.com/hub/Dumbbell.

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5 Fitness Myths That Are Responsible For Thousands of Fitness Failures
 by: Jesse Cannone

Unfortunately, many people are misinformed and are also misled by the many promises of the weight loss industry. Everywhere you look, you see or hear of people promising “Dramatic Weight Loss” with products such as “The Fat Trapper”, or “Exercise in a Bottle”.

Then you also have the hundreds of diets out there such as “The Zone”, “Sugar Busters” or “The Atkins Diet”. I’m sure you have heard of many of these yourself. You might have even tried some of them. Unfortunately, these products and diets are not the quick fix, or the miracles they are portrayed as. They are also usually very dangerous.

Below are some common misconceptions among people with regard to exercise and nutrition.

1. You need to exercise to burn fat.

The truth is you don’t gain body fat because of a lack of exercise. You gain it because your blood sugar levels exceed what you are using. Basically, you are eating too many calories at one time.

2. Your metabolism slows down once you hit 30.

WRONG! Actually, hundreds of research studies have shown that the slow down in metabolism is due to a loss of muscle tissue. And the loss of muscle tissue is directly related to a lack of hard physical activity!

3. Pasta and bread are fattening.

Anything is fattening! Lettuce can be stored as fat! Any food or drink, which contains calories, can be stored as body fat if it causes your blood sugar levels to exceed what the body needs at that time. Bread and pasta are actually great sources of complex carbohydrate! The key is how much you eat and when you eat it.

4. Eating after 7pm will make you fat.

Absolutely false! It all depends on whether or not the body needs that amount of calories at that time. Keep in mind your body is constantly burning calories, 24 hours per day, just the amount varies.

5. Strength training will make you bulk up.

Another NO! It seems as if mostly women are concerned with this one. Muscle size is primarily affected by genetics and hormone production; therefore, most women don’t have the potential to build very large muscles.

Muscle burns calories, so the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn which makes easier to burn fat and harder to gain it!

By no means is this a complete list! There are so many I could write a whole book just about them. The key is in education, but not by reading fitness magazines!

About The Author

Jesse Cannone is a certified personal trainer and author of the best-selling fitness ebook, Burn Fat FAST. Be sure to sign up for his free email course as it is full of powerful weight loss and fitness tips that are guaranteed to help you get the results you want. http://www.guaranteed-weightloss.com

info@guaranteed-weightloss.com

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I hope you’ve been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

universal fitness equipment whats all the hype?

universal fitness equipment universal fitness equipment is becoming very popular in the fitness world. the reason is so popular is because now you can workout in the comfort of your own home. with universal fitness equipment you can …

Premium + Fitness Equipment, Keiser Exercise Bike, Clothing Jump Box

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Nautilus Dumbbell Rack (used) | Meatballfitness09.jkub.com

For a convenient workout from home, snag the Universal flat utility bench. Used Nautilus; Used Hammer Strength (used) Used Cybex Fitness Equipment; Used Life Fitness. Dumbbell Training Dumbbell Weight Bench- 133 results like the CAP …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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When it comes to buying a treadmill the worst thing you could do is jump head first into the first “special deal” that comes your way. There are a number of different treadmill manufacturers and suppliers that produce a vast array of different quality treadmills. This article will hopefully clear the confusion by providing a detailed treadmill comparison so that you can make an informed buying decision.

In the past treadmill comparisons have been primarily comparing two different models or brands. However I feel this produces a false impression of the different treadmill features and relative quality. By taking a look at a number of different brands however you can get a more realistic idea of the advantages of each brand. Only then can you make you own buying decision based on your specific needs.

I’ve done the research and compared some of the best treadmill manufacturers around so that you don’t have to. So without further ado…

If you are looking for a compact treadmill for the corner of the room or if you only have a small room for your fitness equipment then Universal and Tunturi treadmills are a great choice. They are either convienently small or folding so that they can be stored away if needed. At between $1,300 and $1,700 they are a good choice if space is an issue.

If you are thinking about buying a new treadmill but feel that the prices are a bit steep then why not consider a refurbished treadmill. These treadmills are often upto 50% of the new retail price but look and feel like the new models. The Precor C962i treadmill, StarTrac TR4500HR treadmill and Lifestride 9100HRT Style treadmill are all refurbished treadmills that have received rave reviews from customers.

If you are not wanting to pay top dollar but also don’t want to lose anything in quality then these treadmills are a serious option. Visit my website below for the best supplier of these machines and a special bonus offer.

If you are looking for a treadmill with lots of interactive features then you must check out the Precor and Pro-Form treadmills. They are both trusted manufacturers that have been around for ages. They produce some of the good quality treadmills and include many special features that satisfy even the most demanding user. Highly recommended!

If you are looking for a commercial treadmill that can withstand the rigours or continual use then take a look at Star Trac treadmills. If you have ever been into your local gymnasium you will sure have seen these machines. They are true work horses, perfect for either a commercial setting or for the serious treadmill user.

Another option in this category is the Life Fitness treadmill range these are generally slightly cheaper than the Star Trac machines so if money is a problem then this range is for you.

If you are just getting back into exercising after a long lay off or you are new to it all and are overweight then you may want to look at the Noramco treadmills which have a maximum user capacity of 600lb!!! They have extended warranties, super durable with powerful motors. However you will have to dip into your pockets to get yourself one. At over $4,500 each, quality doesn’t come cheap!

If you are a serious treadmill user and/or don’t want a machine that is going to last the distance then Endurance treadmills are a good bet. They are built to last with an exclusive in-home lifetime warranty that covers every inch of the machine forever!! These treadmills just keep going and going.

So there you have it. A detailed look at many of the common specification and features that people ask about when buying a treadmill. Remember however that I have only really scratched the surface with these treadmill comparisons. There are a number of other brands I have not mentioned that are well worth a look like Smooth Fitness which I cover in more detail on my website.

Dean Iggo is a keen fitness enthusiast and home gym user. He is also the webmaster of http://www.home-gym-buyers-guide.com a website providing unbiased ratings on treadmills and home gym tips.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Mathews

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If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts lately you’ll know I’ve come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I’ve got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em…

Tips for Getting the Total Fitness Machine For Your Home Gym

If you're already reasonably fit and want to build muscles, you can try a gym as a universal Tuff Stuff's CFM-555 or BodyCraft Family Xpress home gym. These are the types of fitness machines at home which offer much in terms of variety …

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Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City « Universal City Hotels

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Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

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Exercising At Home: Using Your Body Weight

Many people exercise at home without professional assistance, and this is often because a subscription to the gym is too expensive. Others prefer the privacy of exercising in their own home. With discipline and patience, at home exercises can be very successful.

When you’re exercising at home, you don’t have to spend money on expensive equipment. There are many exercises that use your body weight, and if you start with small steps, you will develop a healthier body With a little effort in the home, you can effectively do something for your health. And the excuse that you don’t have time to go to the gym no longer applies!

The best exercise for the entire body and muscles is the push-up. For the best results, it must be performed correctly with a straight back. Start by using your knees, before progressing to pushups from the toes. Your starting position should be the ground, so the first thing you do so rise from the floor. Slowly and smoothly drop to the ground, and then push up again using your body weight. Many professionals perform pushups on the fists rather than the hands as the exercise is more effective.

The most effective exercises for the gluteus and thigh muscles are the well-known knee bends. Bend your knees and go into a crouch until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Don’t go any lower than this to avoid damage to your knees. You can also consider wearing a backpack with some weight in it – a book is always handy. Keep your arms outstretched, your body firm and your legs shoulder wide. Perform the exercise slowly and evenly.

You can use your body weight to increase your back muscles. Lie on the ground and place your feet under the sofa (or similar piece of stable furniture). Place your hands behind your head, with your elbow facing outwards. Slowly lift your body up and down.

The abdominal muscles don’t get missed either. Lie on your back with your feet under the sofa. Place your arms on your chest, and bend your knees. Slowly lift your body up and down to work the abdominals.

Jumping rope might be seen as a children’s activity, but it’s a great way to workout inside or outside the home. Gradually increase the length of time you perform this exercise to maintain a healthy heart and
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overall body fitness.

You don’t need to purchase an expensive step machine to complete step aerobics. Use a stable crate or similar piece of equipment you have around the house. Step aerobics are great for the legs and stomach. As you progress with this exercise, you can increase the height of the crate you use.

Remember also that walking is also one of the best exercises you can complete for overall body health.

The desire to build your muscles, increase overall body toning and have an athletic body is probably in all of us. With a little effort in the home, you can effectively do something for your health.

By: Paull Robbert

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Weight lifting activities at a vigorous level may involve heavy free weights, a nautilus weight lifting machine or universal weights and machines. Vigorous weight lifting exercises can help increase muscle strength and flexibility while improving endurance

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