Showing posts with label workout programs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workout programs. Show all posts

Trudeau Cool Off Hydration Bottle

Trudeau Cool Off 24-Ounce Hydration Bottle, PurpleMy favorite water bottle yet still Disappointed!

This is my very favorite water bottle. I love the colors. I love that it is double insulated and doesn''t sweat on everything. I love that it has a straw and I love that when I''m carrying an arm load of stuff I can grab the bottle with a pinky finger and off I go.

I however HATE how easy they break! I have never had a water bottle break until I started using this kind. I am not rough on them and I don''t toss them around, but lets face it, I do live and this bottle is always within an arms reach so it does get used. Twice I have had them sitting on the ground and get knocked over and break. Not knocked over and it rolled away, I''m talking, tipped over! I have also had the inner space start filling with water and not even know the bottle had gotten bumped. Not to mention the times they have fallen a foot or two and they are done for. Don''t even bother buying one for your kids, those got broken immediately.

Trudeau, Please make these water bottles sturdier!

Honestly, I have not found a better water bottle than this one. When I had my babies, the hospital gave me an insulated water mug with a lid and straw. I loved it but it would spill it tipped over and it was too wide for car cup holders. But it was the best thing I ever found to make it easy to drink lots of water and be healthy. After a couple of years my hospital mug broke. I looked for a long time to find something similar.

The Trudeau water bottle is so good that I cannot get enough of them. They leak less water if you tip them over. They leak none if they straw is closed down under the lid. They fit in car cup holders. They look great. They don''t sweat and leave water stains on my furniture. I can put it in my purse or backpack. My ice water stays cold for hours. If I fill it with ice and water at night, it''s still cold in the morning.

I had to buy more than one because my husband and kids keep stealing mine. I will be buying extra for my friends too. Honestly, I just wish there were more colors so that each of my 6 sons could have their own color and different colors for me and for my husband.

If there is a downside, it''s that you can''t put them in the dishwasher. But I don''t really care about that since I only use them for water. I have had one break, which really surprised me because they are very durable. I guess that one hit the floor at just the right angle, because we have dropped them many times before, without them being damaged.

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I''m what you might call a water bottle aficionado. I''ve bought dozens of them over the past few years. Some have lasted months, a lot of them only lasted a day, but this bottle is the only one that has lasted years!

I swear I have owned just about every type of water bottle in existence. From the flip pop open top to the squeeze. Both of which didn''t work out for me. For some reason the bottles I favor the most are the ones with straws. I honestly can''t answer why to this. It''s just my own preference. But I digress, I''m here to review this bottle. So let me tell you my experience with it.

I first found it in a local Target store. It was sitting on a shelf by itself in a section completely unrelated. I picked it up and looked it over. I was really impressed with how sturdy it felt. So I trotted off with it to the water bottle section to see how much it cost. Alas I couldn''t find another one or even a tag anywhere matching the SKU. I never-the-less decided to buy it anyways. It ended up costing me a little over $10. When I got it home I put it on a shelf in my cupboard next to a few others I''d found previously and there it stayed for about 6 months.

It was only a matter of time before I burned through all the bottles I had purchased. I get annoyed very easily. It didn''t take long before they would start leaking all over the place or no matter how much I cleaned them there would be this inner film that just looked disgusting. I kept putting off using this bottle for the stupidest reason. Just be cause it was pink. But finally one day I decided to give it a go. Can you believe that it lasted me 2 years!?

Like I said this is a solidly constructed bottle. It is made of plastic but has two layers. Both layers are very thick. The outer layer is shapely and the middle of it is covered by soft rubber that provides a great grip. There is a good amount of space between the inner plastic layer and the outer. This means virtually no condensation on the outside of the bottle. The top has the attached straw and you turn it to open and close it. This action neatly bends the straw and stores it inside the lid. I have never had the lid leak. Ever!

After 2 years of use I made the mistake of putting it in the dishwasher. The plastic on the bottle cracked and there was no saving it after that. I thought I had lost my bottle for good but then I found it here on Amazon and in purple, my favorite color! I''ve been using it everyday these past 3 months and I couldn''t be happier.

I can''t find anything negative to say about this bottle. But I can provide some recommendations. First off when they tell you not to put it in the dishwasher they aren''t kidding. Second, be diligent about keeping the inside of the lid clean. It can build up gunk very easily. I did put the lid in the dishwasher and it never had any problems and cleaned it rather well. That about covers it.

I''m actually thinking about buying a few more of these so I have extras just in case. Who knows how long they''ll keep making them.

Read Best Reviews of Trudeau Cool Off Hydration Bottle Here

Honestly, I have not found a better water bottle than this one. When I had my babies, the hospital gave me an insulated water mug with a lid and straw. I loved it but it would spill it tipped over and it was too wide for car cup holders. But it was the best thing I ever found to make it easy to drink lots of water and be healthy. After a couple of years my hospital mug broke. I looked for a long time to find something similar.

The Trudeau water bottle is so good that I cannot get enough of them. They leak less water if you tip them over. They leak none if they straw is closed down under the lid. They fit in car cup holders. They look great. They don''t sweat and leave water stains on my furniture. I can put it in my purse or backpack. My ice water stays cold for hours. If I fill it with ice and water at night, it''s still cold in the morning.

I had to buy more than one because my husband and kids keep stealing mine. I will be buying extra for my friends too. Honestly, I just wish there were more colors so that each of my 6 sons could have their own color and different colors for me and for my husband.

If there is a downside, it''s that you can''t put them in the dishwasher. But I don''t really care about that since I only use them for water. I have had one break, which really surprised me because they are very durable. I guess that one hit the floor at just the right angle, because we have dropped them many times before, without them being damaged.

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I had the "Cool Down" version of this water bottle for about two years and found it to be very durable and rugged. I dropped it a lot before it finally broke. When I went to purchase a new one, I went with this new style. DON''T. I purchased this bottle back in October and the first time I used it, the outside was covered in condensation even though the double wall was supposed to stop that from happening. I contacted Trudeau and was able to return the product and receive a replacement that worked great for two weeks until I dropped it ONE time on the carpet in my office. Then it basically shattered at the bottom, cracked at the top and became useless. I''ve contacted Trudeau to see if they will replace the bottle again, preferably with the "Cool Down" bottle as that seems to be a superior product.

Everlast Women''s cushioned no-show atheletic socks assorted colors, 12 pairs

Everlast Women''s cushioned no-show atheletic socks assorted colors, 12 pairs-BlackThe picture selection suggest multiple colors. I selected "black" which depicts black, white, and b/w. I got a package of all black socks, which works great for me, despite the misleading pictures. So be warned!

Good running socks. they don''t slide down into my shoe when i''m running like some other socks. I wish they had more of a cushion to them though

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Finding actual "no-show" socks is the biggest challenge and I don''t know why. These socks are comfortable, however, they are NOT no-show. They sit high above my ankles which means you can see them above my shoes. Is it just me or aren''t no-show socks supposed to sit BELOW your ankles?????? This is so annoying.....

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These aren''t the best quality socks, but you get what you pay for. It seems like it''s going to last me a long time, but it is a bit thin.

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these socks had just enough cushion. so comfy. I wear them every day. great quality too. I would recommend them.

Suunto X3HR Heart Rate Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, and Thermometer

Suunto X3HR Heart Rate Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, and ThermometerAsk any outdoor enthusiast what manufacturer they''d trust when it comes to precision instruments and the answer would probably be Suunto. Their slogan is "Replacing Luck" and that''s very true when you see how accurate their instruments are. Case in point: I recently bought the Suunto X3HR and went hiking up a mountain with a few friends. We reached the summit and hiked to the trig beacon to get an "accurate" indication of how high we were. The X3Hr was spot on (to the metre) while the GPS unit we carried was out by quite a few (and there wasn''t a big tree above us or cloudy conditions to affect the GPS signal). Apart from the accuracy of the altimeter, what makes this watch even more useful is the fact that it has a heart-rate monitor, barometer and thermometer. That''s in addition to the obvious functions like stop-watch, back-light, etc. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to get the most out of it, I''d highly recommend this watch. It takes a little while to get the hang of the functions, but once you do it really opens up a wealth of knowledge as to your performance.

For myself the watch has almost everything I need. When I''m training for runs the heart-rate monitor is incredibly handy and I didn''t realise how much it can be an asset to measuring performance. The watch will show you your max heart-rate over the run, the average heart-rate, and the highest altitude you reached. The only drawbacks are that if you want to measure your split times over a long run, the 10-split memory isn''t really enough and if you''re not yet used to the watch buttons you might press the wrong one and comprimise the data you''ve gathered. But for the price you''d pay for the X3HR, you''d be hard pressed to find another make of watch that can do the same things. If you are looking at something more advanced, the X6HR might be worth looking into. I was sorely tempted to go for that model when I tried it out in the shop. Self control sucks sometimes.

I''ve tried a few different types of HR watches by Timex and Polar...Polar was really expensive for the features that I wanted, along with a non-replacable battery unless you send it to the company...Timex just wouldn''t work unless I had been sweating profusely because I have a very hairy chest and the chest strap couldn''t make a proper connection unless it was drenched. I''m pleased to report that this watch works just fine, no pre-wetting on the chest strap contacts is required. The chest strap is comfy and unencumbersome and it is able to accurately record my HR through my mat of chest hair. It also stores 6 workouts, splits included, in the memory which is convenient if you forget to record a workout in your logbook.

Here are my criticisms for the watch:

-The watch is a bit bigger than "normal" watches (about the same as a Polar, I''d estimate) and it makes for a very readable face even when sprinting, so if you looking for a sleek, small, sexy watch this isn''t for you.

-Too much info: The watch is able to show the current temperature, pressure, and elevation...which I found useless, but if your into climbing or backpacking it may prove to be more useful.

-There are three main menus, TIME, TRAINING, and MEMORY and if you do push-ups or bend you watch wrist back 90 degrees you will press a button to change the menu display (but I''ve never been too interested in my HR while doing push-ups).

-To make the indiglo/night display show up you have to press and hold down a button for 3 seconds, so it doesn''t give the quickest feedback for night runs.

Given all of those criticisms you''d think that I hate this watch. But, I love this watch and I will probably keep it for the rest of my life. It is sturdy, solid, water-proof, easy to use, the display rocks, and it works for hairy people.

*A quick tip if you buy through Amazon, get $30 off if you apply for the silly credit card, I did that and got the blue watch for $70, promptly chopped up the card, and got a great deal for a rock solid HR watch.

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The watch does exactly what it is supposed to do according to the product description. Looks cool as well, although the picture doesn''t give a perspective how big the watch actually is; it is a bit bigger than I expected; but they had to pack into it a barometer, HR monitor and thermometer.

One has to be aware of the following facts: The altitude is computed from the barometric pressure, so the precision changes with weather and time of the day so one has to set the reference point often to get good results. The temperature that the thermometer shows is something between the body temperature and the outside temperature, since when the watch is on a hand, it''s too close to the body. So to get a precise outside temp, one has to take the watch off and wait for about 10-15 minutes. But this behavior is expected and inevitable in this kind of a device.

Overall, I''m totally satisfied with this watch, and would recommend it to anyone needing a sports watch and a heart rate monitor for running/workout.

Read Best Reviews of Suunto X3HR Heart Rate Wrist-Top Computer Watch with Altimeter, Barometer, and Thermometer Here

The watch is of good quality and does the things it says it will do. When I purchased this item, I was under the impression that it calculated altitude. It actually displays altitude based upon barometric pressure. The user must give the watch a baseline altitude for it to function correctly. Also, somewhat significant weather change can cause your altitude to display incorrectly. Perhaps this is a common way of measuring alititude, I don''t know. I suppose for the utmost accuracy you''ll need to go with a GPS enabled model. Overall, this watch is still a great product for the price, just be aware of how the product works.

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I had been looking for an altimeter with heart rate function. This one works very nicely and is comfortable to wear without the bulk, that so many of the multi use watches, seem to have. Has accurate altimter, reliable heart rate readout, with nice multi memory storage, as well as temprature and barometric pressure. All in all, a great value!!

Stamina InStride Electronic Stepper

Stamina InStride Electronic StepperAfter 2 weeks using it for 4-5 times per week & 45 minutes each time, this unit works great. The squeaking noise was little annoying but it went away after I WD-40ed it. For those of you couldn''t figure out how to oil this thing, the cable connectors were creating the squeaking sound. Find the two cable ends & just WD-40 them, the sound should go away.

I love working out; I have a gym membership and both a gazelle and the Stamina InStride Stepper at the house. I run, I hike, my boyfriend thinks I''m crazy. I like this stepper better than the expensive ones at the gym. Its sturdy yet portable, and unlike most pieces of exercise equipment, this one really can easily be stowed anywhere. Its great for in front of the TV. I''ve owned my stepper for about 6 monthes now and the only issue I''ve had is that it needed a little WD-40 (it was squeaking). You can definitely feel it in your thighs after a good workout. I''d recommend it to anyone. For an added boost, buy a couple weighted balls to hold during your workouts.

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It broke. Twice. The first one I sent back. Customer service was good, delivery of a new item was prompt, which is why this gets two stars instead of one from me. It broke a second time, however, and I give up. The first time the piston part got stuck and impeded the stepping motion. The second time the cord that goes around the rotary disc broke. Argh!

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I have owned this about two weeks and I happen to love it. I bought it to leave near my computer to remind me to get up and move a bit! It feels GREAT when you are done. I have not had any trouble at all with mine. It has even encouraged my 12 yr old to get movin'' on it!

I think it is very sturdy and it is heavy, yet it is compact enough to move to a closet!

I''m very pleased with the purchase!

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I loved my stepper for about two months it''s small and compact, the workout was great and then it broke. I then ordered a replacement part, which came in worse condition than the one I was replacing. My stepper was fantastic when it worked but I seem to be having bad luck with it.

One other small problem it squeaked quite loudly.

Sunlite Exerciser Bicycle Pedals, 9/16 in, 1 Pair

Sunlite Exerciser Bicycle Pedals, 9/16 in, 1 PairThe OEM pedals on my Schwinn 203 Recumbent Exercise Bike were bulky and the snap-in straps were a hassle to readjust; so I replaced those in 2005 with these flat platform 9/16" pedals with velcro straps.

Advantages: Good sized platform to accomodate different shoes or just wearing socks so the entire family can use the exercyle; easy and fast adjustments with the velcro straps; feet stay stable and secure in pedals even during 130+rpms spinning/cardio workouts.

Disadvantages: With the first set, the right pedal had rough bearings when new; it had to be constantly re-tightened after a few indoor training sessions and I ended up stripping the locknut. I replaced it with a generic nut but the bearings/race surfaces were already pitted so the right pedal became clunky again after a few sessions.

Overall: Bought another replacement set at a fair price from an Amazon vendor in 2010 and has worked smoothly right from the start. So far, no bearing adjustments are necessary. This set should last another few years of indoor spinning and power workouts.

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Cathe Friedrich''s Body Blast: Kick, Punch & Crunch and Legs & Glutes DVD

Cathe Friedrich''s Body Blast: Kick, Punch & Crunch and Legs & Glutes DVDI don''t have the combined DVD, but just the Kick, Punch and Crunch VHS, but I thought I''d write a review anyway since that is on this combined DVD. I''ve been avidly working out to advanced Taebo videos for well over a year now and thoroughly enjoy them; however, I''ve been feeling a little burnt out with them lately so I decided to try and find something that would compare to them. I''ve read lots of great reviews on Cathe Friedrich''s videos so I decided to see about getting one. Luckily for me, they were doing a clearance on some of her VHS''s on her website so I purchased this one. All I have to say is WOW! I have never been so challenged in all of my life. It wasn''t a very hard to follow workout and I picked up on all of the moves since I knew them already from Taebo, but the intensity on this is overwhelming. I made it through the whole video and was drenched in sweat. I felt great because I did the whole thing, but I was sore for the next two days. I definitely worked muscles that apparently had been hibernating. If you''re looking for an intense workout or a change from an already intense workout, buy this video!

(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)On this DVD, master instructor Cathe Friedrich offers two workouts from her Body Blast series: Kick, Punch & Crunch (KPC), a cardio kickboxing workout, and Legs & Glutes (L&G), a lower body focused strength training workout. Both workouts are excellent, but what really makes this DVD so valuable is the wide variety of customization options as described below.

I previously owned an edited, FitTV version of KPC on VHS, but I had no idea how much I was missing by not having the full workout. KPC is a 68-minute workout that combines intense kickboxing drills with choreographed kickboxing combinations and a great abs segment. The 7-minute warm-up introduces all of the punches and kicks used in the workout and gradually picks up the pace. Next comes 7 minutes of fun, intermediate intensity drills before moving on to another 18 minutes or so of high intensity drills (including some high impact work). After a brief cool-down, Cathe starts the first of three kickboxing combinations, all of which combine punches and kicks (21 minutes total). Finally, there is a 7-minute abs section using a stability ball and a nice 5-minute cool-down. This workout is an intense high intermediate/low advanced level, although knowledgeable exercises could modify down (no modifications are shown).

Legs & Glutes is a 51 minute lower body routine. Unlike many of Cathe''s workouts, it does not use a barbell, so you can get by with more minimal equipment: dumbbells, a high step (or sturdy bench), and an optional stick for balance. After a 3 1/2 minute traditional aerobic warm-up, Cathe moves into standing leg work including leg press, squats, lunges, plies, explosive (jumping) plies, drop squats, 1-legged dead lifts, plie squats, and explosive lunges. At about the 25 minute mark, she adds ankle weights for addition standing exercises such squats with side leg abduction, calf work, standing quad work, and abductor work. Moving to the floor, Cathe continues for an additional 11 minutes, first working the hamstrings with pelvic tucks and leg lifts on all fours, then targeting the outer and inner thighs from a side-lying position. This workout finishes with a nice 5-minute stretch focused on the lower body.

As mentioned above, the best thing about this DVD is the wide variety of custom options. The menus for both KPC and L&G including options for playing the entire workout, viewing the chapter selections, and mixing and matching chapters. In addition, each workout offers "Quick Select Premixes" which provide both shorter and longer workout options. For KPC, there are 7 premixes ranging in length from 27-53 minutes, and for L&G, there are 6 premixes ranging from 11-79 minutes and including all standing/all floor options. There are also an additional 7 premixes which combine segments from the two workouts; these run from 37-53 minutes. Finally, there is a "Workout Blender" option which allows you to create your own custom workout by selecting chapters from either KPC or L&G.

If you are familiar with Cathe, you know that she often incorporates upbeat, recognizable music (selections here include "Walking in Memphis," "Band of Gold," and "You Spin Me Round"). These are fun, energetic workouts which will provide you with endless variety and options--highly recommended!!!

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I recommend this DVD to anyone who needs a challenge and wants to take their workouts to the next level. I never get bored with this Cathe DVD (or any of her others for that matter), and the ability to mix & match different segments is great for days when you''re maybe short on time just do the cardio portion or just do the kick & punch drills, etc. But most days I do the entire DVD but not two days in a row. It can be tough on the knees if you don''t use proper form or if you do this DVD too many times per week.

Ok, now go ahead, buy this DVD now!! You won''t regret it!

Read Best Reviews of Cathe Friedrich''s Body Blast: Kick, Punch & Crunch and Legs & Glutes DVD Here

If you''ve never tried a Cathe workout, this is a good place to start. The 2 workouts here are just a perfect example of her workout style.

In Kick,Punch, and Crunch, you will have a kickin'' good time (get it?) You will start with intermediate drills and quickly step up to advanced drills (you can keep them low-impact, though, with a few modifications.) The workouts don''t take a load of space, so they can work in my small workout area just fine. Then you get a short breather before you move into the combos of punching and kicking. Lots of premix options to shorten up the time if you need.

Legs and Glutes is a fantastic all around leg workout. You get to work with standing weighted exercises first, then some standing leg lifts. Finally you end up on the floor (and boy are you glad to be there!) for some floorwork. It''s solid .. and those round of propulsions lunges will work you hard with no weights.

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I saw/dvr this workout on FitTV, and I simply loved it, but I''ve learned something about Cathe workouts, you have to get the DVDs, cause they not only include the workout and usually a more complete one, but a lot of options to modify it, something I didn''t get on others I have.

42 bucks might look a bit expensive, but this DVD is worth every penny, the KPC workout is very intense, and Cathe as usual providing perfect and very challenging content.

I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who have the KPC workout from FitTV, you''ll be surprised how much you were missing.

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Tony Little''s Gazelle Freestyle Awesome Abs Workout (DVD)

Tony Little''s Gazelle Freestyle Awesome Abs Workout
  • DVD

This DVD was horrible, I purchased the DVD because I own a Gazelle. The title suggested it was a Gazelle workout, however, it consisted of Tony Little acting spastic at the beginning, and then progressing to crunches and various exercises. NOT A SINGLE WORKOUT ON THE GAZELLE. A horrible DVD.

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The DVD''s tittle is Tony Little''s "Gazelle" Freestyle........... and the picture shows a person using the Gazelle workout machine. I thought it was a video showing different workouts on the Gazelle. Very misleading. I''m very disappointed because I didn''t get what I thought I was purchasing.

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I absolutely love this workout! I''ve used to do it using VHS and am so thrilled to finally be getting it on DVD. I''ve missed getting to do it since I got rid of my VCR. Yay!!--DVD is on the way :D

THE BIGGEST LOSER Sculpt & Burn Kit (4-6lbs)

The Biggest Loser Sculpt and Burn Kit - Weighted 4 to 6-Pound Water Ball and Jump RopeThis was purely an impulse buy. Filling the ball took about 10 minutes. You have to keep "burping" it to get more water to go in. Have some patience!

There is no hype, no long instructions, just a color poster with a small amount of instructions under each picture. It says do 2 sets of 15 reps for each picture. I have not exercised for awhile. I start and stop my exercises all the time. So, presently, I am not fit. Let me just say that I only did one set of repetitions and it kicked me! This is great cardio and core strength. I will be sore tomorrow. I think you could expand on these exercises, or use it before a walk or a run. It is simple, no fancy dance steps or annoying people talking to you on a DVD. And it doesn''t take an hour. I will use this in the morning before work! It''s perfect!

This was exactly what I ordered. Many of the previous reviews said that it was difficult to fill, but if you follow the directions, it fills easily. I love this product.

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Water Ball is great for ab workouts. The only drawback is that it''s difficult to fill up quickly! I wish I knew of a better way to fill it up. The instructions do not state how often to change the water. Do you have to change the water??

Haven''t used the jumprope yet.

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The idea is interesting but you can''t actually fill the ball up with water. The hole that the water is suppose to go into is WAY too small. You would have to use an eye dropper to fill this thing. The jump rope has perma ripples in it from being plastic and stored in a coiled position. There are lots of other exercise balls...get one of those instead.

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Horizon Fitness RC-30 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Horizon Fitness RC-30 Recumbent Exercise BikeI shopped for several months and tried out lots of bikes including Golds Gym''s recumbent bikes.

I tried the R3 at Sam''s Club and knew it was perfect! I am a big guy at 292 pounds and over 6'' tall. I have had the bike for two months and with a low calorie diet have dropped 25 pounds so far!

I have had five right knee operations to date and my back was injured in a car accident two years ago which has greatly limited my exercise abililty. My doctor recommended a recumbent bike and I can ride this one for 45 minutes at 15 mph on the weight loss plus program.

Better than any of the more expensive bikes I tried at Gym X.

I have owned the Horizon RC 30 recumbent bike for about two months and I haven''t had any problems with it so far. This stationary bike is almost identical to those you find in any gym, except that it doesn''t have LED lights, but otherwise it performs in the same way. I am still trying to find the time to read the directions to operate the panel properly. I''m sure after I do that I''ll find it very easy to fine-tune each workout session. For now I just more or less decide whether I want an easy workout or a more challenging one by just seeing what happens on the panel when I push certain keys. Customer service was very helpful by providing me with the phone number of a couple of companies in my area that could assemble this item for a fee. It would have been virtually impossible for me to do the job myself as this item comes completely disassembled and it can be quite overwhelming.

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The bike was easy to assemble, took a little over an hour. It has been running without issue since it arrived. the only downside is that the screen does not light up when its on and it can be difficult to see in low light, so don''t plan to be able to read the screen without overhead lights on. Over all this is a great bike.

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I gave this two stars because of issues with the seat. the bike is fine overall. I use it daily for about an hour a day. You need to put a pillow or some sort of lower back support in the spot between the seat and where the back rest begins or your lower back will probably hurt. I bought a recumbent bike specifically for lower back support so a recumebent bike with no lower back support is frustrating. As for the mechanism to secure the seat in place, why they chose the seat mechanism that they did, I will never know. It is extremely annoying. Instead of just being able to slide the seat back and forth into into pinned holes, they have a tightening system that doesn''t really work unless you get lucky. You tighten the lever (which is supposed to turn a rubber piece into the metal bar below to secure the seat in place, but most of the time, the bike seat still moves. You have to loosen the lever, play with the rubber piece, rotating it with your hand and then keep trying to tighten the lever until you get lucky and the seat actually not only tightens but stays in place (the lever sometimes will tighten so you think it is secure, but then the seat will still slide). If you plan to move the seat regulary for multiple people in the family using, good luck. For $400 for a basic exercise bike, the seat should not have this problem. If you are the only one using the bike, and you don''t plan to ever adjust the seat again, you should not have a problem. There is also something in the back that rattles a bit, not sure what it is. I double-checked to make sure the bike was set up correctly and it is.

Otherwise bike moves fine, is solid. The set up wasn''t bad, took about two hours. The pieces in the box were light enough for me carry them by myself into the basement. All the pieces were in the kit and numbered in separate plastic bags to match up to the step you are on. The directions could have been more specific but not so bad that you can''t set it up.

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I have been using this bike for the past 3 weeks. I have also previously owned a Schwinn 220, briefly. The bike takes on the order of 2 hours to put together. The tools provided are of high quality. A couple of the bolts had trouble going in. WD40 helped, somewhat. The instructions are easy to follow. The bike works as you would expect. It is quiet when in use. The seat is comfortable. The 8 resistance levels are more than adequate. I typically run it between 3 and 5. The included workout programs are just okay. The programming does not take into account your weight or age, the programs are hard-coded to a 30 minute workout time, and there is no cool down period. There are two custom programs available to help alleviate some of these issues. Still, I was a little disappointed with the lack of features on the console. I would recommend this bike to a friend. In comparison to the Schwinn, this bike has a better, smoother seat adjustment, they are equal as far as smoothness of operation of the wheel, and the Schwinn has a better, more customizable console. I feel the Horizon Fitness bike wins on build quality. I purchased two Shwinn bikes. I returned the first due to a broken electrical connecter and the second when the brake mechanism died after one day of use. I purchased the Horizon Fitness bike because it fit my needs, but also I did pay close attention to the warranty offered by bike manufacturers and I would recommend you do the same.

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Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer

Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle TrainerI don''t have any other comparison, since this is the first I have ever purchased, but I was pleasantly surprised when I received it just two days after I ordered with FREE shipping.

The trainer itself is solid and works better than I could have hoped for, cost a lot less than buying an exercise bike.

I am not a cyclist and bought this to simply turn a regular bike into an exercise bike.

There was zero assembly required, just unfold it and place your bike in, super easy, when you want to ride the bike out on the street, it''s free in less than 30 seconds.

The only con I would say about this, is that it is loud if you have nobby treaded tires, from the previous review, I can see how a smooth tire would quiet it down, You do or can get use to the noise of it, However, you can also release the tire from the tension roller an ride like a regular bike.

Highly Recommend, I don''t think you''ll be sorry on this one.

This is just what it should be, really, and maybe it deserves 5 stars for that. The instructions were confusing because there''s an extra unexplained part, but I figured it out (you don''t need the extra axle). I am not a serious biker; this is just to get some exercise w/o buying an expensive piece of equipment.

What I''d totally forgotten about what the noise a bike trainer makes (and this is the main reason I''m posting, in case you''ve also forgotten or didn''t know). Looking online just now, I''ve seen it likened to vacuum cleaning, and that''s about right. I''m not sure that any other bike trainer would be better on this front... maybe the rim trainers are. (Note: see the other review that explains that if you get other tires for your bike the noise will not be an issue. Me, I am not "serious enough" to buy other tires, much less change them.)

Bottom line: this is fine. If you can deal with the noise, get it.

Update (a few years later): I don''t use this much any more, as I got an elliptical machine (which I prefer)... but I''ve realized this will be great for my summer away when I''ll have my bike with me anyway. And if it''s raining and I''d like some exercise, I''m all set.

To answer the question from the comment, it''s quite easy to put the bike in and out. If you look at the picture, there''s a faux axle squeezed between two pins/clamps at the top. The faux axle was the part that confused me. (Thanks to other helpful reviewers, I now know that this is provided to protect your real axle from scratches, if you have that sort of a bike). Your bike goes there, and you just tighten the pin/clamp things to hold the bike in place. The wheel rests on the part at the bottom which might need adjusting for your particular bike, but once that''s set, your bike will go in and out without much fuss.

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I was happy to find that there is no assembly required. It was very easy to set up. It works fine, and is a very sturdy and good-quality piece of equipment. However, it is noisier than I thought it would be. Well, I did choose the cheapest bike trainer I could find, so maybe you get what you pay for.

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This is a very basic trainer with very little resistance. This really is best for beginner bikers.

In addition, the tension adjustment knob is made of cheap plastic which stripped and cracked within a few weeks. When I called the company for support they said that they didn''t have any extra ones that they could send me. They told me I would have to mail in the entire unit to have it replaced. It certainly wasn''t worth the cost shipping for a 30-cent piece of cheap plastic.

I haven''t done it yet, but I''m going to take it somewhere to have a metal crank welded on to replace the cheap plastic adjustment knob. Until then, I have to use a pair of pliers to adjust the tension.

The unit is easy to setup and to get the bike setup on it. I didn''t need to use the extra skewer that was provided but you may if you have an older bike.

I recommend you buy slick tires to use with this (and any other) trainer. I very quickly went out and bought slick tires for my mountain bike because the knobby tires makes too much noise. Even with the slicks the noise is louder than I would like, but this is not the unit making the noise it''s the vibration from the tires which you will have with any unit. Another thing that helped was setting up the trainer and bike on a set of foam floor pads to reduce tranmission of vibrations to the rest of the room.

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There are trainers with more features than the Bell but you will pay a lot more. If you are new to indoor biking then the Bell Trainer is the perfect way to start. You can always upgrade to a $500 trainer later if you feel the need. There is no adjustable resistance mechanism on the Bell. You adjust the resistance using your bike''s gears. Simplicity is a good thing IMHO! Some reviews have complained about noise. I''ve heard noiser Trainers than the Bell. My exersize cycle makes way more noise. In comparison the Bell is rather well behaved in that regard. The build quality on the Bell is VERY solid. The bearings seem to be of high quality. The flywheel is machined and polished steel. It comes out of the box already assembled. Mounting the bike on the trainer was easily done alone. A skewer type quick release hub is included if needed (I needed one). Amazon''s low price and free shipping makes it a steal and is the best deal I could find anywhere. I absolutely love my Bell Trainer and highly recommend it.

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StairMaster 7000 PT Stepmill

StairMaster 7000 PT StepmillI hate to exercise, but who wants to be fat? So I''ve been going to the gym for about 3 years now. That is where I tried the stepmill. At first I could only go a few minutes,but those few minutes kicked my butt! I gradually worked my way up to 30 minutes,and what a drenched mess of sweat I was in after those 30 minutes. You can do so much on this thing! You can climb sideways,working your inner thighs, backwards for your calves, and skip a step when going forward to really give your butt a lift. And then you can lift your leg out while stepping slowly for a stretch and a harder workout. On the cooldown, you can do calf raises, with just the ball of your foot on the step you lift yourself with just your calf muscles. Its an amazing workout, it burns the most calories in the shortest amount of time, and with all the different electronic workouts to choose from, it doesn''t really get boring. It constanly tells you how many calories you''re burning, how many floors you''ve climbed, etc. I bought a video ipod and watch movies while doing this and I''ve now gone for one hour, burning over 400 calories! But I''ve found good fast music really pushes me to go faster and kick my own a**.

I bought this machine because it is always being used at my gym and we only had 2 there, so for my bday, I bought myself one. It''s outside because its so huge, but with a fan it''s awesome!

I had enlarge heart and after using it for 6 month, 3 times a week, 20 minutes a day it has shrunk back almost to normal size.This machine gives you a good work out without impact on your joints.I highly recommend it.

Just put in front of your TV and enjoy it.

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My father was a firefighter for phoenix az for 30 years. I purchased a refurbished stepmill 7000 pt for much cheaper than this and it was in excellent running condition. You can get these on line for around 2600. I even saw a refurbished blue face for 1895. If you are using it for home use, it will last forever! These machines are used to constant heavy use daily. The fire dept my father worked for still has Gauntlets that work fabulously if that gives you an indication of these machines toughness. For those who don''t know, The Gauntlet was the first stepmill made. It is very old but still gives you insane results! Do some homework and get a cheaper price. I love amazon, but this price is ridiculous. I can get a SM 916 for this price.

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Icebreaker Men''s Bike Ultraliteicro Socks

Icebreaker Men''s Bike Ultraliteicro SocksThese are warm and comfy. I use them on my long bike rides and have no complaints. I''d buy more if they weren''t so pricey for a pair of socks.

My brother and I cycled 3 months with a pair of these each, under temperatures from 10-35 celsius washing them very week or so, and with all dirt and dust into them we had a very good experience. They are stronger than expected so they dont tear easily. They breathe enough.

Would happily buy again.

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Champion Men''s Demand Short

Champion Men''s Demand Short, Slate Gray, MediumI''m a runner. I don''t run in events or consider myself to be something special but i enjoy running, and run 4-5 times a week. Next to my Vibram 5 fingers, this is my favorite thing to wear while running.. The shorts themselves are incredibly light like soccer or other name brand running shorts but maintain a normal length (they fall right above the knee on me) which is perfect for me because i enjoy freedom of movement without showing off my legs... The shorts have large pockets on both sides for my mp3 player and allow a full squat without any tug in the seat for a nice squat workoutplenty of room without being excessive. Great all purpose fitness shorts: Light, airy, no excess material, freedom of movement, cheep, and not see through. Highly recommend.

I bought these shorts for my husband for tennis and he loves them! Very quick drying and long enough he can stretch in them and not "show all".

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This is an excellent purchase for the price. I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for lightweight gym shorts.

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These shorts are great got them for my husband and he loves them. Very light weight. They are not cotton and very easy to walk in or run etc. Adjustable elastic waist all very comfortable. Bit long, but they are really nice and he enjoys them.

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Quite a few reviews indicated this is a great running short. I just want to point out that it has no liner.

Icebreaker Women''s Swift Pant

Icebreaker Women''s Swift PantI have long loved a wool sweater, but more recently discovered the magic of wool for workout wear. I''m not buying any more synthetic work-out clothes. These pants are very comfortable and don''t find them itchy at all. With the reflective strips at the ankles, these are definitely work-out pants. I am giving them 4 out of 5 for fit/style because it''s not a flattering shape on me. They are functional and comfy and only for work-outs so I am keeping them. I have a "pear" body type and tend to carry weight in my hips, thighs so it''s not a good cut for me. They are tight most of the way down the leg and a little extra fabric at the ankle. I think they would look better on someone with slimmer legs. I like the icebreaker villa style better for a flattering fit.

I recently fell in love with Icebreaker wool! I started with the crewe shirts and wore them rock climbing in Germany. I had purchased them for winter sports and after rock climbing on a brisk day I am sold! These pants are not itchy and as I am 5''4 3/4" the length is ok only because they taper at the bottom so they will not drag. If you are concerned about the pant length because you are short alterations are worth it! I know this is standard for this brand, the inseam is longer than 31". Enjoy!

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MJ Soffe Lightweight Athletic Shorts Kids

MJ Soffe Lightweight Athletic Shorts Kids - BLACK SmallThe way the products are linked together is misleading. All the sizes on the page make it very hard to tell what are the junior and what are the kids sizes. thought I was ordering one, got the other. Price and quality where great though. I would have spent more sending them back than I spent buying them. So I have 3 pair of worthless shorts now.

these are ok for your tween to wear under a mini skirt but they are flimsy

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Timex Men''s T5K4029J Ironman 50-Lap Dual-Tech Silver Case Sports Watch

Timex Men''s T5K4029J Ironman 50-Lap Dual-Tech Silver Case Sports WatchAesthetically this watch is very pleasing. The first week that I had it I was very happy with the functionality of it. However, after one week the analog hands (inc the second hand) seized. I can move the analog hands manually, but they no longer keep time. The second hand is forever stuck at 18 seconds. If I had this watch longer then I would take it in for a new battery, etc. But instead I am just going to ask for a refund.

Watch band broke after two years of light use and Timex will not stand behind it. Watch band is part of the watch case and must be sent back to Timex for repair (for a 10 dollar fee). Bo not buy this watch.

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Analog hands quit working within a week of purchasing watch. The digital display and large case don''t justify the price...even if it did work properly. I just spent $55 (On Sale!) for a $15 watch. This is the third Timex that I''ve purchased over the last couple of years that have had similar issues. They were great watches once upon a time, no more.

I''ve finally learned my lesson.

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I purchased this watch in hopes of replacing be similar watch that Timex discontinued. It does... In fact, Timex improved it. The watchband is much sturdier with the same fit, and though the watch is basically plastic that looks metal it''s much more efficient. My last watch lost time and the batteries died more than once. In this watch the movements are plastic in the digital clock in the background has the added option of being turned off, not that you''d want to actually turn it off. At 1st I was skeptical about purchasing this watch, because the previous watch Billy had its biggest issues with the faulty watch bands that facilitated round filing the whole watch when it crapped out on you. I can''t see that happening with this new upgraded sturdy/rugged watchband. Overall, I can see this watch, lasting me to do 3 years, even with every day where.

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My husband''s favorite is this dual display watch... and they are hard to find.

Timex has the best one we have found.

The display is easy to read, both analog and digital.

It is a manly size and looks handsome on him.

Also, it can show more than one time zone, which helps him when he travels.

A great watch it does it all and well!

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Outdoor Research Women''s Reverie Shorts

Outdoor Research Women''s Reverie Shorts - Charcoal 6The photo that accompanied these shorts is a very accurate depiction. They fit well and are true to size, are comfortable, and wash and wear well. They''re a very good pair of shorts for the price.

Apex Roman/Hyper Extension Bench

Apex Roman/Hyper Extension BenchI''m over 65 and been weight training most of my life. Not only is this a quality piece of equipment it is an amazing buy, especially if you take advantage of Amazon.Com''s Super Saver Shipping Offer. Assembly was a piece of cake, all parts are well finished and fit together nicely. The unit is made by IMPEX, makers of Marcy, Apex, Iron Grip and probably half dozen other lines of weight lifting equipment. An added benefit is that they have a great webb site with catolgues, parts, weight training advice and a customer service line. I was able to replace the cheesey foam rolls on the machine with better quality ones. I weight 200lbs and am 6ft tall. The bench is solid when I do both back extensions and crunchies, even with an extra 45lbs of weight. I highly recommend this product. I would like to see a power cage as reasonably priced and finely made.

I am very satisfied with the Apex Chair. I used one many years ago in a gym. I looked on line and found it on Amazon.com. Apex instructions were very easy to follow. This peace of equipment is very well constructed and is very good for your lower back and abs.

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I''ve used a couple of different styles of Roman Chairs when I belonged to the YMCA and found them beneficial. I have suffered with back problems for the last 20 years and decided to get one for my home. Not wanting to spend a lot I opted for the Apex. It wasn''t too difficult to assemble but I did have a bolt that lacked threads and had to use one from my own hardware supply. As someone else pointed out, the handles should extend out further and the cushion should be both thicker and perhaps not quite so wide. I will have to experiment with the rear leg adjustment to find the optimal position. Since I just received and assembled it today I haven''t used it enough to comment on long term benefits for my back. Hopefully it will do the trick in strengthening and reducing the pain in my low back.

Update: I modified this bench to make it more ergonomic by cutting steel pipe in two 20" lengths that is slightly larger in diameter than the handlebars. I removed the rubber grips from the handlebars and then slipped the newly cut pipe over the old handlebars. As they slope slightly downward there is no need to secure them. This improvement (though not approved by the manufacturer) has made this device much easier to mount and dismount as the handles are now in front of the body.

Before the above modification, I was at the point of wanting to sell it, but it is now a pleasure to use and I have noticed improved low back strength.

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Great bench for an overall ab workout. I am 200 lbs and the bench remains stable when I do sit-ups, even with 90 extra lbs on my chest.

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I have had experience with this type of product for many years and it is very useful in maintaining a healthy back. This particular Roman Chair works well, but could be easier to use if the handles extended out further. The abbreviated style handles make it somewhat more challenging to get into and out of the bent over position.

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Pearl Izumi Men''s Transfer Zip Neck Long Sleeve Base

Pearl Izumi Men''s Transfer Zip Neck Long Sleeve Base, White, Largeok, this is the one to get, no question. Rarely (if ever) has a product totally exceeded all my expectations. The Pearl Izumi base layer has done just that.

Here''s the scenario: 60-30°Florida winters (if there is such a thing), competitive bmx/ mtb racer/ strava dork, 6''2 180lbs (XL) perfect fit, long in the back to cover your lower back when riding, long arms for ape-like appendages, snug fit without restricting movement or looking like a superhero.

And the MOST AMAZING THING of all is the magical stink repellant, no idea how it works but it truly does. I''m a sweaty SOB and stink more than most but this shirt can handle it, if your not near a washer, just flip it inside out and let it air out....shazam no more pit funk in the morning.

Whatever you end up paying for this, it is worth it, I loaded up on them at the low point of one of the wild price fluctuations....

For 55° commuting use this and a light windbreaker thing (like P.I. elite or L.G. electra ..both darn good)

For 55° 45° trail use (pegged, WFO, wide open, no lollygagging) use just this baselayer with no other shirt/jacket and you''ll be dandy. When/if you stop, the cold will soak in but it''ll warm right back up as soon as you get goin'' again

Any colder than that use the above mentioned windbreaker/jacket or if down in the 30° range use a fleece (like a Marmot ) over the base layer and under the windbreaker.

gratuitous self promotion: When in central Florida be sure to visit Chuck Lennon trails (built in an old quarry, fast flowing singletrack, total tree canopy, and wide range of skill levels from trails the whole family can enjoy up to the rough stuff with 4-6'' fast rollers/drops.

Thanks-twopage 12/''12

This is my first "base layer" long sleeve top and was worried about the fit since I usually wear a Large, sometimes an XL, but this fits perfect for my frame which is 6'' and 195 lbs. Love it and when it drops to about 45 degrees during winter biking workouts, and with a light wind break jacket (Pearl Izumi), it''s very good, not too warm, not too cold. Nice high collar, long length. 5 Stars

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Pearl Izumi is a great clothing brand. I currently own several items from them. Every one is top notch. My new long sleeve base layer is perfect for camping or any other outdoor activities when the temperature is dropping. The fit is great; its looks great as well. It''s stylish enough to be worn as an outer garment on warmer days.

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Does what it''s supposed to; wicks away moisture well. Very comfortable fabric, slips on and off easily. Zipper makes for good extra ventilation if you cook a bit.

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picked this up on a one day deal.

Fits nice...looking forward to using it regularly.

Happy with it so far.

Enter the Kettlebell Workbook

Enter the Kettlebell WorkbookIf you have Pavel Tsatsouline''s Enter the Kettlebell, you know that its content is excellent. But, as I said in my review of the book, while the content is excellent, the organization is lacking plus it is more of a technique book, not a workout book per se. AOS''s ETK workbook is designed to take the concepts and techniques of ETK and translate them directly into progressive workout programs. It accomplishes just that, and very nicely.

The author, Anthony DiLuglio, knows whereof he speaks. He is the owner of the Punch kettlebell gym and is one of the best-regarded personal trainers in the US. He was also certified as an "RKC" Russian Kettlebell Coach Pavel''s certification program, though Anthony now offers his own certification program (Art of Strength).