The Strength Training Critic Blog

I have an old DP Fitness for Life Air Strider. I call it a stand up bicycle, since their is no seat. On it, my feet go around in a pedal motion. For my arms, I hold on to two levers (handles) that go back and forth and enable my arms to make the same motion I would make if I was running. The whole exercise seems equivalent to jogging without the impact that you would get on the ground. I really liked this machine, but it is now worn out. What do they call this kind of exercise equipment today? Where can I get a good deal, possibly factory refurbished? Thanks!

elliptical

When one has young children (under the age of three), one obviously ends up spending a good deal of time at home & it’s difficult to get to the gym. However, most treadmills and exercise bikes have moving parts that are dangerous for small, curious toddlers. Is there home exercise equipment out there that is child-safe, or ways to better child-proof home exercise equipment you already have?

I would suggest keeping the exercise equipment in a seperate room, that is mostly off limits (such as a master bedroom, spare room, or basement) and using it at a time when you do not need to monitor your child– e.g. when it is napping. Or, alternatively, you could workout while s/he is in a playpen. It is good for you to realize that exercise equipment has many small moveable parts and are not safe for a baby.

That being said, I am sure those big exercise balls would be harmless and maybe even fun for a toddler! Yoga and aerobics are also good alternatives that do not require equipment– just a DVD!

So i was thinking on buying a exercise bike or a treadmill but i have no idea which would be better to have around a 2 year old boy and to get a good workout, please help, Thanks in advance, any suggestions on any other exercise equipment is welcome, so tho in your own thoughts , again Thanks in advance.

I understand your concern, I’ve heard of children getting their fingers caught in treadmills etc. I don’t know what your child’s schedule is like, but if it’s possible to do your routine while he is taking a nap that’s a thought. Another possibility is to exercise with your child with no equipment involved, such as going for a walk, throw on some music and dance around the living room with him. As far as another piece of equipment the elliptical machine is very good. Hope I helped with ideas.

I want to get into better shape and exercise more but I don’t have any kind of exercise equipment. Can anyone help me?
I want to know what I can to to tone my stomach, I’m not fat or anything but I do need to be in better shape.

Rock on, not having any equipment is not a detriment you just have to be a little creative. Walking is a great way to start off a program. Just simply walk out the door for five minutes in one direction and then walk back. That may or may not be enough for you but it can be adjusted accordingly to what level you are at. Walking not your thing then try jogging or biking to work on the cardiovascular aspect of the program. You need at least thirty minutes of cardiovascular work six days a week. This can be broken into three ten minute sessions or whatever combination works for you. In line skating or jumping rope are another great form of this. To find out if this is working for you try this. Each morning as soon as you get up take your pulse for one solid minute. Record that number and at the end of five days average those numbers to find out what your resting pulse rate is. Use that as a barometer to your fitness program. That number should start to drop as you gain cardiac fitness. As for muscular strength or tone there are push ups, crunches, squats, lunges, jumping jacks, and chinning to name but a few of the movements that can be done without any weights just using your body as a resistance factor. Want a more organize program then get a book or dvd on Pilate’s or yoga. Either of those systems will help you gain in flexibility and strength though the Pilate’s will definitely develop more strength. For resistance movements grab a can of some product as they are usually about one pound and start doing the movements with the cans in your hands. All of these movements will definitely help to get you into better shape.

Im looking to buy some sort of equipment to burn calories on. Ive been looking at ellipticals, treadmills, and exercise bikes. Which of these three provides the best exercise for the amount of time spent on it?

Elliptical machines are very popular. It all really depends on which one you will be more likely to use. I personally like the treadmill b/c I like to run and walk. I bought an elliptical before and it was a total money of money b/c I hate using it.

Each machine will burn plenty of calories depending on what you do with it. On the stationary bike the hill profile will kick your ass. The treadmill allows you to run or walk on different inclines and speeds. The elliptical machine allows you to vary the intensity of your workout (but its extremely boring to me).

I’m trying to lose weight. I’m only 15 years old and it’s hard for me to go to a gym or to buy exercise equipment to exercise in the house. The only thing really holding me back from going on a diet is exercise because i know it’s hard to lose weight without exercise. Could someone help me?

there are actually a variety of ways you can exercise that don’t require any type of specialized equipment. you can do calasentics (e.g. jumping jacks, running in place, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.)
cardio is always a good thing to do whether you’re trying to shed pounds or not. start by going for short but brisk walks. as you build up your stamina start jogging/running.
another good workout is circuit training. its actually not that hard to do and it can help you keep from getting bored.
if you’re looking for alternatives to weight training you can use can goods. another suggestion is to get an empty milk carton (the plastic jugs work best) because you can adjust the weight by the amount of water you add. it might not seem heavy but after a few reps you’ll start to feel it. besides low weight and high reps is good for losing weight. if you need any help with setting up a circuit training e-mail me, i have experience in that area. but before you start any kind of diet or exercise program you should really consult your doctor just to make sure you do it safely.

Hi,
I started running on the treadmill, i do 40 mins at night time. 10 mins of running and 30 mins of fast/slow walking.
I like to get another exercise equipment, just so i can rotate what i do everyday. My main aim is to loose weigh. I am 200pounds, 5,10 height. Which equipment do you think it’s worth it to buy? i’m not looking towards spending a lot of money.
thanks

An exercise bike can be a worthwhile investment. Get one that’s of good quality, say in the price range of $300- $500.

An exercise ball is another good choice – it’s cheap and helps you heaps in strength training.

And dumbbells for weight lifting- cheap and very effective in boosting muscle growth.

Here’s more insight into exercise equipment: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/home-gym-exercise-equipment.html

Hi,
I started running on the treadmill, i do 40 mins at night time. 10 mins of running and 30 mins of fast/slow walking.
I like to get another exercise equipment, just so i can rotate what i do everyday. My main aim is to loose weigh. I am 200pounds, 5,10 height. Which equipment do you think it’s worth it to buy? i’m not looking towards spending a lot of money.
thanks

An exercise bike can be a worthwhile investment. Get one that’s of good quality, say in the price range of $300- $500.

An exercise ball is another good choice – it’s cheap and helps you heaps in strength training.

And dumbbells for weight lifting- cheap and very effective in boosting muscle growth.

Here’s more insight into exercise equipment: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/home-gym-exercise-equipment.html