I have been looking around in stores for something not expensive and comfortable, and I have not found anything better than these. They are light weight and perfect for workouts at the gym. The fit seems true to size, maybe just a bit generous. I love them, they are just what I wanted.
Background: I have severe arthritis in my knee and can no longer perform exercises that impact the joint (even lengthy walks) without experiencing considerable pain. After using Lifecore Fitness'' excellent 900 RB recumbent bike for the past 8 months, for a low impact good cardio workout, I recently purchased the company''s R88 rower to exercise upper body muscles and provide an alternative to the bike. The rower was easy to assemble and took approximately 1/2 hour. The instructions are clearly written and well illustrated.
Buy Lifecore R88 Rowing Machine Now
This is a decent rower. If it cost $400, it wouldn''t be an issue. However, the seat is high, relative to the foot pedals, so you end up working your arms and back much more then legs. I was used to a Concept2 at the gym and did not feel like this was in the same league. I returned it and bought a Concept2 for $200 more and couldn''t be happier. There is a reason Concept2 owns the space.Read Best Reviews of Lifecore R88 Rowing Machine Here
The R88 is the best choice for rowers under $1,000. The combination of air and magnetic resistance is a great design. There are six resistance selections on the R88, not eight as described. The first and lowest selection is air resistance only, and the air coming through the vent will keep you cool. The display could be updated as the background screen is a dull gray. Initially, my rower wasn''t counting the strokes or distance (you can set it to count the strokes down from a set number or count up). I called Lifecore tech support and they said the sensors (there are two) near the fan wheel probably got loose during shipping. They suggest I pop the outer shell loose to check the sensor, and I did. The wires and sensor seemed secure but whatever I did made it work. The only critique I have is about the way the foot pads are mounted; I wished the foot pads would be almost level with the frame instead of lower. You are more in a sitting position than a laying position when in the "recovery" position or the stretched-out position. I guess the angle simulates the position in a real row boat. Also, I had to put some thread lock on the acorn nuts that hold the plastic foot pads on the metal rod they pivot on, as the right side kept getting loose from the pivoting of the foot pad. I think a C-clip would work better. The frame and seat (firmly cushioned) are nice and wide and will support any size body. The handle is permanently fixed to the flat strap that spins the fan; I wish there were optional accessory handles that allow a wide grip or a narrow vertical grip handle to work different back muscle groups. Overall, I am glad I purchased this rower because it is nice and solid and will add variety to your workout. I like to mix this in between running and cycling; diversity in a fitness program is very important, and the R88 provides that element.Want Lifecore R88 Rowing Machine Discount?
Background:
This review was geared for another product, but the comparisons I''ve discovered will help you make an educated decision.
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A good workout and innovative idea. However, This is definitely not the best form of suspension training available. It is somewhat restrictive when you compare it to the Lifeline Jungle Gym XT or Elite Freestyle Trainer, USA, Vegas Straps. With a split design, you have freedom that TRX cannot give you. You can do all the exercises plus a lot more. You can vary your width of the grips, which you cannot do with a TRX. This allows you to do dips, hanging knee raises, pull-ups, etc., that cannot be done on a TRX. All which provide you with a more challenging workout than the traditional forms and more freedom as well. These are a heck of a lot cheaper options, not to mention that you can make your own.Read Best Reviews of TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack Basic Here
The TRX training kit came in good condition although the DOOR ANCHOR that was listed as included with the set, did not come with the package. I bought this unit based on the fact that it said it included the DOOR ANCHOR of which was in BOLD under the contents of the purchase.Want TRX Suspension Training Pro Pack Basic Discount?
Okay, it seems very well made, but its just straps and handles! I''m glad I got it and like using it. I''d recommend it but when you realize that you paid all that for just...okay, I won''t say it again!
I feel that as a fellow consumer, it is my duty to write reviews in order to inform others of my experience with a product, whether it be positive or negative.
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This is good for added resistance for push-ups but the progression to additional bands (the ones included) is quite steep. You might have to buy bands with different resistance in order to progress in lesser increments.Read Best Reviews of Lifeline USA Power Push-Up with DVD Here
as a 180 lb male in his 30''s that usually bench presses with weights between 200 and 250 lbsWant Lifeline USA Power Push-Up with DVD Discount?
Yes I was expecting a good fast work-out.What I got was good clean power push ups every time. One thing you get used to is those darn push-ups and the amount of time you have to spend doing them. Well the power push up cuts down on the amount of time and gives increased results. That is right in the shoulder blades and chest right where it counts!
These are nice pants. I ordered small, and they fit well in the waist and were roomy without being baggy. Unfortunately, I''m 5''-8", and these pants are way too long on me.
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If you are not over 6 feet, do not order this item, it is just way too long. Had to return it, would have saved the trouble if I would have believed the other 2 guys who had wrote reviews and said the same.Read Best Reviews of Pearl iZUMi Men''s Infinity Warm Up Pant Here
Should have taken the advise of other posts wayyyyyyyy to long, and with the long zipper in the legs makes it challenging to get altered.Want Pearl iZUMi Men''s Infinity Warm Up Pant Discount?
These warm up pants are extremely comfortable and smooth as silk. Wearing them is like wearing a pair of silk pants. Does not stick at all to the skin and comfortable in 60-ish weather which is what I''m wearing them in right now. I just absolutely love them.
Compareing it to an old faithful Rab softshell jacket I had, it''s great. Perhaps not so windproof but its water repellency is astonishing for something that feels exactly the same as any other icebreaker product. Combining it with a hard shell for extra heavy downpour like you would any other softshell means it is simply brilliant for what it is.
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We discovered Icebreaker during a trip to New Zealand and absolutely love the brand and the quality of their products. I bought this hoodie for my boyfriend and he loves it. Great fit and absolutely perfect for San Francisco weather as well as traveling, since it is pretty light for the warmth it provides.Read Best Reviews of Icebreaker Men''s Kodiak Hood Here
sleeves are extra long and extend longer down the back of your hand and shorter on the inside/palm side.Want Icebreaker Men''s Kodiak Hood Discount?
Seems fine except it is too small to wear. Would like to see their model for sizes. Certainly not like anything in America
I have been a martial arts instructor for over 16 years. These are quality gi pants, don''t bind up when you kick and actually fit well. They run a little big though. I bought a size 3 because I was having to roll my 4s down at the waist these fit about the same in that area as the 4s. They are just the right length for us shorter people though.
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Overall quality is Good. Do not shrink after washing and drying. Do not feel neither heavy nor extremely warm. Perfect for martial arts!Read Best Reviews of ProForce Gladiator 8oz Karate Pants w/ Elastic Waist Here
I have some chronic lower back issues so I''m often on the lookout for "solutions". I use the Precor 240i stretch machine at the YMCA but the price point is just too high for a collection of aluminum pipes, a seat and handle bars. The LifeSpan SP1000 arrived at my door. Box was a bit beat up...so it was handled a bit roughly by someone along the way. Some smaller parts were scattered throughout the box so I was concerned something might be missing. Assembly was made more difficult by poor instructions but if you have even average mechanical skills its nothing to put together. You may need a helper to hold things for you. All parts, tools were included. The build quality on hardware is as good as Precor, although the seat and knee platforms aren''t as well made. However they are more than adequate for home use. With the addition of a torquing joint at the base of the handlebar post you actually can do a few stretches that can''t effectively done with the Precor. I can do a circuit of stretching in less than 10 minutes if I''m in a hurray so I''m happy. The design and workmanship are good. I''m 5''11" and have no problem with the size so I''m unsure what the commentary about it being for smaller person is referring to. I had an issue with the cross bar that attaches to the base of the handlebar post...it was welded off-center. I contacted LifeSpan and they sent me a new one after an email, phone call, and photograph I attached to email showing flaw. So, customer service would get a top rating from me based on that action. This is a solid investment in your health. Get one.
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I learned about this device at a Chiropractor visit. He had three of the devices, and encouraged those waiting "adjustments" to stretch. (He did provide initial training guidance on it!) He recommended (to me) that I strongly consider purchase of this device, especially as I am a cyclist, and riding a road bike for extended periods does cause some body stresses. So, I bought one! Assembly was simple. (I had my son assemble it!) I use the device EVERYDAY. I am confident that it has been excellent for me, especially in the back, hip, and glutes stretches, all of which suffer in varying degrees when I ride. The price of the device is steep, but actually is half the cost of similar devices I have seen in gyms, YMCAs, etc.Read Best Reviews of LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine Here
I tried out the precor version at the YMCA and loved the idea of systematic way to stretch my legs and hips with assistance. The Precor machine was too expensive but the Life Span accomplishes exactly the same thing for much less. It is solidly built and easy to assemble.I love that the Amazon Prime membership makes shipping to my doorstep free.Want LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine Discount?
After reading other reviews about this piece of equipment, I expected it to be more like the Precore I have used at the gym in the past. This is a nice piece of equipment, but I was surprised to find that the front piece moves. It is not bad, it is just different. Also, I read that it might not fit a tall personmy boyfriend is 6''6" and he uses it just fine.
I bought these for my wife. One of the most important things to look for in kettlebells is the smoothness of handles because of the repetitive nature of the swings and other exercises. The handle moves around in your hand so you can imagine the how imperfections would hurt your hand and cause friction. These have relatively smooth handles compared to the ones I tried at Sports Authority and Target (Go Fit). They were also cheaper, even with shipping. The handles are big enough that you won''t have to worry about scraping your knuckles. The vinyl cover should help cushion your forearms and your wood floors.
Buy JFit Premium Vinyl Kettlebell 8, 10, 12 and 15 lb. Set Now
I wore this hoodie every day for a whole month while sailing offshore. Underneath, I wore one or two Icebreaker shirts (rated 200) depending on weather, with a waterproof/windproof sailing jacket over it. While regular fleece jackets would have picked up sweat, merino is truly odour proof and kept me warm. The hood is also quite warm. Outside pockets have zippers and inside pockets of good size. Great, soft jacket!
There are a variety of reasons to purchase this item, and I did so for a lightweight jersey to wear on hot days outside on the bicycle, playing volleyball, etc. Product was exactly as described and is comfortable to wear as a base layer. I was concerned that the thin sewing keeping to two jersey layers together would come apart, however after multiple washings it has held up. I would buy this product again!
First I''d like to say how fast I received this bike! Amazon sent it FedEx and I received it 3 days from the date of my order. It was packaged well and got here fine. I only seen one review on this bike which was a 5 star. I usually look for more people who purchase an item but what I liked about this bike was the fact that the seat was adjustable 2 different ways and also the handle bars. So many of the reviews on other bikes talked about how the seat was too high on the lowest level for shorter people. I''m only 5''1", so this was a concern for me. This bike I can adjust to ride it comfortably! The seat is large and cushioned. I put it together by myself. My husband did removed it from the box for me as the base of it is quite heavy and I didn''t want to drop it. I would suggest having 2 people attach the handle bars. It was a little tricky trying to hold them in place while screwing on the front and back plate pieces, but I did do it after a few attempts. I''ve had this bike for only a week now but so far so good. I have it in my livingroom in front of the TV where I can ride it while watching TV daily. It is quiet and smooth riding. I like the monitor that tells you how long you''ve rode, calories burned, heart rate etc. It''s a great bike for the money. I highly reccomend it.
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This bike is well built and sturdy, quiet and easy to put together. TheRead Best Reviews of Phoenix 99607 Mag Trac Upright Exercise Bike Here
I too had a few problems, when I first received mine. However when I called the company and spoke to Jeff who took on the responsibility of making everything wrong,to making everything right. He immediately sent me a new bike and paid the shipping as well and UPS picked it up. The first thing you need to know, is this company really cares, and have given lots of time to help straighten and resolve the issues I have had with this bike.Want Phoenix 99607 Mag Trac Upright Exercise Bike Discount?
The resistance control cable did not work in the bike I received. The factory installed end of the cable was not attached inside the bike body. The cable attachment seemed to be prone to coming undone. It was easier to disaseemble the bike body, attach the loose end of the cable inside the bike body and reassenbke the body than to ship the bike back.
Good gloves for the price. They are well made and look like they will hold up for a while. The fingers are wide enough that they fit over wraps, good for beginner kickboxing students who need to wear both.
I am really fond of Shannon Fable, I enjoyed her "Balletone" workouts, and now she has showed me another way to work hard my lower body by using the gliding discs.
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I recently purchased this after seeing a presentation on a home shopping network. While I was excited to try it out, I found myself unable to keep up. I inflated the step in accordance with the directions, but it seemed WAY too unstable. I realize that some instability is desired, but this was just uncomfortable. I proceeded to stop and re-inflate numerous times, which helped slightly. I recommend simply stepping up and down and getting comfortable with the feel of it before you try the DVDs. I thought the videos were well-done and I like the concept 60 seconds of exercise, 30 seconds of recovery. Music is pretty good, also. The combination of cardio and core/strength training is great. Jesse, the trainer, talks a whole lot which could get annoying over time. Overall, I think this would be good for intermediate to advanced fitness levels. I need to stick with the traditional step, however, as a beginner.
Read Best Reviews of SPRI Step 360 Pro Here
This is a versatile piece of equipment. It''s not as unstable as a Bosu ball but adds a nice cushion for steps and jumps that a standard step doesn''t provide, which is better for joints. You can use it for variations of squats and lunges as well as other exercises for different body parts. I also like the resistance cord catches/locks. I quite frankly don''t think that it adds much of a balance challenge, unlike some reviewers here. And I do consider myself to be balance-challenged. For me the benefit is that it''s a piece of equipment that I can use to do steps and jumps all barefoot in my home. My complaint is that it is a bit bulky and I don''t like the workout DVD that comes with it.Want SPRI Step 360 Pro Discount?
I bought this as a christmas gift for myself and I have to say, after a few trials, I love it. The DVD that comes with has a great variety of workouts and the workouts are intense. When I first started using it, I was a little scared of falling off and it slipped a bit on my wood floors. However, placing the whole thing on a yoga mat cleared that problem up. My only problem with the step360 is that it never seems to be as inflated as it is on the videos that making for a bit of an adjustment every time you use it.
This is one tough hoody. I have worn this outside in the chilly weather and sometimes with some light rain and it hold up good. For the spirited runner, this is a must for the runner''s closet : )
Reading some of the reviews, I''ve been puzzled about a lot of what folks are saying. This is a superior piece of exercise equipment that would make any serious elliptical owner giddy.
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I bought my Smooth Agile DMT X2 Elliptical machine in January, 2010 and I have been very disappointed with the quality, given the price that I paid ($2,000).Read Best Reviews of Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 Elliptical Trainer Here
I have had this ellliptical for about 10 days now. Assembly was not difficult and took about 1.5 hours. I am pleased with the quality of the materials used, and everything seems to work fine. Unfortunately, the nice color LCD display cannot cannot be read when you are on the machine. When you try to look at the display while using the trainer, you cannot read any of blue text (heart rate, calories, distance, etc.) or the yellow text (countdown timer) because the viewing angle is wrong. The text can only be read when viewed at an angle of between 30-60 degrees. When looking at the display from a 90 degree angle, all you can see are 88:88. I contacted Smooth Fitness customer service, but they have no solution. You would need to be less than 4 ft. tall to read the display in its mounted position. I find it unbelievable that they did not see this coming and design a monitor that could pivot.Want Smooth Fitness Agile DMT-X2 Elliptical Trainer Discount?
I have had this elliptical for 3 months and it still isn''t fixed. I can''t get Smooth Fitness to do anything to get it fixed. I have had to pester them to get the repairman to come and try and fix it. Smooth Fitness tech support doesn''t even have a wiring diagram for repair purposes. It sounds like a business in trouble. Probably run out of someones basement with a warehouse in Tiawan. I am still waiting for them to respond back to me from 10 days ago.
These shoes are well designed and well made, and a good value--they''re as good, or better, than just about any athletic shoes at this price. They''re very light and feel supportive and balanced. In fact, unless you''re a competitive athlete who needs a special shoe, I don''t think spending more makes much sense--you''ll be paying for hype and style preference, not performance.
Buy AVIA Men''s A104M Fitness Shoe Now
Avia''s budget sneakers used to be a good buy: they were leather and the uppers lasted a long time. I bought them for years. Now, unfortunately, they use a lot of vinyl ("synthetics") and far less leather. I had a couple of recent pairs of their sneakers that cracked along the instep of the upper, showing it to be vinyl. I took that as disappointing, but overall, they held up pretty well. However, the uppers on my last pair completely separated from the soles (on each shoe) so soon that the soles had no wear on them at all. That is just plain shoddy. I found their customer service to be truly unresponsive. I hope you have better experiences, but I do not think you can have confidence in them.Read Best Reviews of AVIA Men''s A104M Fitness Shoe Here
Wears well (about 2 months now) and was easy to break-in the leather uppers. So far my feet were not cramped or squeezed. Feels comfortable with Levis and Calvin Kliens. I use them for shopping and casual get togethers with friends or family but nothing too physical or too sporting. I have saddle soap cream and hope to keep the leather soft and maintain its look.Want AVIA Men''s A104M Fitness Shoe Discount?
I don''t know if these are knock offs or whether avia has lowered its standards but I bought these sneakers before and they lasted over a year of heavy use. The soles on the ones i bought form this seller eroded like the were made out of paper mache.
I have to say this is an incredible elliptical for the price, not to mention it''s very eye catching and appealing compared to other ellipticals. This thing is a beast in a good way the quality of this elliptical if very sturdy and powerful. It took my husband an hour to an hour & a half to carry everything up and put together himself. I''ve gone through 100''s of elliptical reviews, charts, reading materials I narrowed it down between the Horizon Fitness EX-59 Elliptical Trainer and this one for weeks with a budget of $750 max (also had a gift card). I did my research and glad I went with the heavier 23 lb flywheel over the 14 lb flywheel the Horizon one had. I also did consider the Livestrong LS 10E & LS 13E for a little more money, but for the price this one was just as good as the more expensive ones. But really the only differences were the power inclines and USB plug-ins. Those are things I can do without, I don''t mind manual adjusting the incline or looking up my own workout plans, the higher Livestrong ones above this had bells and whistles that I didn''t need. The only thing I think is the calorie estimating is a little off I think as I feel I''m burning way more calories and I know at the gym I burn way more for the distance & time I do. But this is way better than the ones at my gym and feels to be a way better workout (I purchased this since my gym membership expires at the end of the month & decided not to renew it). I also have a high quality semi-recumbrent exercise bike that I am doing also with this at home & running outside I''ve been doing the bike in between the burns of this elliptical. Also Amazon customer service has been fantastic with this purchase, couldn''t have asked for better, free shipping & no sales tax, saved me a bundle than if I bought this at my local sports store. I would highly recommend it for the price, it''s definitely worth more!
Buy Livestrong® LS8.0E Elliptical Now
I have owned several machines. This one is by far the best. Assembly was easy. Took about an hour, but when assembling you realize this is a sturdy machine. Using it the first few times it showed ot me the most important aspect: a solid machine, well built and seemingly to last a long time. Several different programs and resistance levels. You can do manual incline which is no problem, you just hop off and increase incline and get back on. No longer than taking a water break. Nice touch having the aux input and holder for an MP3 player. Speakers are adequate, but who really cares as you could just wear your headphones. Calorie counter, heart rate monitor are all adequate, but you can wear the machine out for quite a while and only burn 200 calories. But all that considered, it is very smooth. Easy to use and quiet. Great machine.Read Best Reviews of Livestrong® LS8.0E Elliptical Here
I have been using this eliptical everyday for at least one hour. I have own it for three weeks, no problem so far. Great work out. I would recommend it to anybody who is looking for a nice, affordable eliptical.Want Livestrong® LS8.0E Elliptical Discount?
The Pros: The design of the footbeds and stride is ergonomic and I have no joint pain when using it. The levels have sufficient range for absolute beginners to pretty fit people to get a good, safe workout. When working it was very quiet (must have a gym mat).'''' Having an elliptical at home is the best.
Hopefully nobody has made the mistake of buying this bike trainer under the assumption that it''s a "Magnetic Resistance Trainer", as there are many look-alikes of this same model, and it is very lacking in it''s description, to say the least. Make no mistake, this model is a "Wind Resistance Trainer" only(I assume that''s what they''re calling "Kinetic"?). If u look at the pic it clearly shows a circular fan, opposite the weighted flywheel on the roller assembly, at the botttom of the unit.
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This product was exactly as described and presented. It is stiff, rugged and easy to attach the bicycle. The flywheel is well balanced and very smooth running. The Fan is small (as shown and not surprising) and therefore not as effective for a reactive load as a larger unit.Read Best Reviews of New Kinetic Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer Stand Here
After looking for a reasonably priced bike exerciser for a couple of years in the bike shops and sporting goods stores, I finally came to my senses and searched Amazon; voila! there were the choices I was searching for. Instead of being limited to $300+ metered, adjustable devices with multiple read-outs I found this simple adapter that just attaches to the bike and provides indoor exercise all winter. Easy to assemble, simple to attach, and it does the job. Effort, of course, is set by simply shifting your bike''s own gears and it''s really all you need. It helps if you also get a front wheel lift to level out the bike. Aside from all this the product is very sturdy and folds easily for tucking away; happy journeys to nowhere!Want New Kinetic Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer Stand Discount?
This item works very well and is stable and evens folds flat, and can be stored in the corner... Out of the way.
