Thursday, December 31, 2009

Buy Lifeline USA Power Wheel II


Its large, sturdy and a great addition to your core workout routine. The footpads add more exercise capabilities. Very satisfied with this purchase.Get more detail about Lifeline USA Power Wheel II.

Purchase Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer


I actually bought this from another seller because I couldn't seem to confirm that the Amazon delivery service would bring it in the house and downstairs for me. As a single woman, this was a must. I put it together myself in just over 2 hours, with minimal trouble. The hardest part to do by myself was lifting the flywheel into place... that this is heavy but wouldn't have been any issue with another set of hands (I was too excited to wait for help!). I haven't had any of the noise issues that others mentioned but it has only been three weeks.

I'm a little disappointed in the heart rate monitor. When you grip the bars, it seems to take quite a while to register your heart rate. For example, it starts at about 72 and increases slowly (when clearly my heart rate is around 150 or 160 after 15 minutes of working out). I accept this less than stellar feature because I can simply count for 6 seconds and multiply by 10. Ta-da, heart rate estimate. With than minor flaw (although clearly it might be more important to others who want to use the heart rate workout, which I haven't tried yet), the elliptical has been great and I highly recommend it.
Get more detail about Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer.

Order CHAMPION TUBE 6 PK - CH602


These are the best pair of socks I have found so far. Very soft and they are TRUE tube socks. They come just below the knee which is hard to find. They stay UP. Would like them to come in another color.
You will not be disappointed with this product.Get more detail about CHAMPION TUBE 6 PK - CH602.

Where To Buy Schwinn Adjustable Kickstand


I bought this to put on my 6 year olds bike and it works great. Easy to install and very sturdy.
Get more detail about Schwinn Adjustable Kickstand.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Shop For Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer


I have owned this unit for over 6 months. I have been using it at least 3 times a week and at least 30 minutes each time. It works great. No squeaks or noises. All I can hear is the very low humming of the wheels.

The assebly is easy because the wheels are already assembled, and this is also the reason why the unit has fewer problems than those units that require assembly of the wheels. One caveat though. The assembly starts when the unit is still in the box. Read the instructions before you do anything with the unit.Get more detail about Lifecore LC-985VG Elliptical Trainer.

CycleOps Mag+ Indoor Bicycle Trainer Trainer with Bar Mounted Remote Shifter


This is a pretty good trainer for the money it costs. It does make some noise, but its not unbearable: the TV is still audible.

It was somewhat difficult to set up: make sure your back tire is tight against the roller - if it is slipping at all it will wear down in no time.

Even so, it does seem to wear down my back tire pretty fast, so I am thinking of getting a wheel with a Continental tire made for trainers.

I got the model with the remote, but have not really used it. The remote is hard to set up (both on the magnet and on the bike), and it keeps falling off.Get more detail about CycleOps Mag+ Indoor Bicycle Trainer Trainer with Bar Mounted Remote Shifter.

Body Building Belt Ab Belt Abgymnic Ab Muscle Stimulator Review


I havent bought it yet but based on what the last person wrote (and the price of less than a hamburger at Applebees) (and the steroid-induced guy on the cover) I am now not going to purchase this questionable product. Thank you -- and I hope the company that hired that 'Terminator' model is covering his health insurance due to the health issues he is dealing with due to all of those steriods -- illegal steroids. Maybe they're not illegal in Mexico -- so we'll call them illegal MEXICAN steroids.Get more detail about Body Building Belt Ab Belt Abgymnic Ab Muscle Stimulator.

Horizon Fitness T91 Treadmill Top Quality


MUCH better than expected: quiet (almost silent), easy to change speeds and elevation; easy to install (five pieces, i installed it alone, but two people would be easier). As good as fitness center equipment; solid and light enough to move by yourself. Only downside was the key wasn't included so we had to wait, and customer service is only open 9-5 M-F, but once we made contact they FEDEXed it and we had it in three days. Get more detail about Horizon Fitness T91 Treadmill.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Confidence Elliptical Cross Trainer with Computer This instant


Good exercise machine for price paid. After doing extensive research and reading reviews I decided to purchase this product over other more expensive exercise machines. The machine was not very difficult to assemble. It took less than 1 hour and was pretty easy to figure out how the parts went together. It provides a good workout for the legs and arms. The machine does make you feel like you are leaning forward a little unless you squat slightly which makes the workout more intense. No problems with the machine falling apart.

Overall, a good exercise machine for the price paid. Maybe not a $500 machine quality, but did not cost $500 either. I am happy with the machine, and it does what I expected.Get more detail about Confidence Elliptical Cross Trainer with Computer.

Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike Immediately


Do not buy this product!! The others complain about the product
being defective once it is assembled.But the situation is much
worse than that. Amazon.com does not even send you the assembly
instructions that go with this product. When I called amazon.com
all I got was a phone number for Schwinn and an email telling me
that past giving me a phone number, I was pretty much on my own.
When you call Schwinn, you will get a run around.

Not receiving assembly instructions is pretty much a consistent
theme with this product. So please don't think you will be treated better.

This is dreadfully irresponsible on the part of Amazon.com.
The company is a tier 1 vendor and can easily use its leverage with
Schwinn to make sure that a persistent complaint is fixed. But they
prefer to be callous about it, give you a number and kiss you off.

Till this situation is rectified I, for my part, would strongly
advise not buying this product anymore, at least from this website.
If you do, prepare to be disappointed.



Get more detail about Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike.

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike Best Quality


Great interface and comfortable design. Very happy with the Schwinn 230. Only issue is seat adjustment, difficult to change for multiple users.Get more detail about Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Get it now!


I did a lot of research and read all of the reviews on Amazon and other sites before deciding on buying the Sole E35. I bought it from Amazon.com. Based on reviews, I was anticipating spending a long time to put it together. It arrived in a large box, but contrary to some write ups, the device was not bolted to the bottom of the box. A friend helped me to move the main frame assembly to our basement. I followed the instructions and it was fairly easy (about 2 hours) to assemble the device by myself. No strange sound, no lose handles, no problems. The initial impression points to a solid elliptical that feels stable and works smoothly. My wife was against spending this much money on an elliptical but she is totally in love with it now and uses it every day. Previously, we owned a NordicTrack for six years. The Sole E35 is certainly a much better built product and I highly recommend it to people looking for an elliptical in this price range. So far, I am very happy with this purchase and with Amazon.com. Get more detail about Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer Buy Now


I bought this machine used. I'm very impressed with the quality. It works great and it doesn't take up much room at all. Also, it is easy to move and maneuver around the house. I'm a 190lb male and the machine is sturdy enough for me.Get more detail about Eclipse 1100 HR/A Elliptical Trainer.

FlipKlip Treadmill Book Holder 1-Pak Order Now


This book holder is exactly perfect for holding pages of a book open while using a treadmill! JudithGet more detail about FlipKlip Treadmill Book Holder 1-Pak.

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer Decide Now


Assembled easy, no piece was too heavy to carry into our room. It has taken some effort to get used to how this machine works, it is very different from traditional elliptical trainers I have been on and owned. That said it seems to give a better work out of each leg since there isn't any help from a dominant one making everything move. I've got about 9 miles on it so far and have enjoyed them and been more tired than out last one that was more than double this one. My wife loves the way this one works and didn't like the last one that much.Get more detail about Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Trainer.

Everlast Folding Sit-Up Bar Right now


THIS PRODUCT IS SURPRISINGLY STURDY AND EASY TO PUT INTO ACTION. HOLDS MY FEET A LITTLE HIGH FOR MY LIKING, AS I'D PREFER A GRIP CLOSER TO THE ANKLE, BUT WORKS JUST THE SAME. A FEW DOLLARS CHEAPER WOULD HAVE MADE THIS A FIVE STAR FOR THE MONEY.Get more detail about Everlast Folding Sit-Up Bar.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Lowest Price Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner


Getting my abs to look like a chiseled model has always been one the hardest things for me to achieve. After years of work, I know the only true way to make that happen is exercise and a GOOD DIET... you have to remove the weight/fat to get the abs to show. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time exercising your abs.

That being said,after a month of use, I truly feel that this product has helped improve the look of my abs. I have kept the same diet and continued my same workout routines, and simply added use of the Slendertone to about 40 mins every other day. A really difficult spot for me is the obliques. I truly believe the use of the Slendertone has helped tighten up my obliques to help accentuate more of a V-shape through my midsection.

I should also state that this is the third elctro-stimulation ab product I have used. Compared to the other two this is much better. The main thing that sets this apart is the use of Gel pads. Both of the other two devices required a liquid Gel that you put on the electrodes. With both of those products I found myself getting tiny little abrasions where the electrodes touch my skin... not good! With the slender tone, the fit is great and the gel pads stay snug against your body, which eliminates the abrasions.

In summary, if you are pretty avid athlete that has trouble getting those abs to show, give this a try it will probably help. But make sure you aren't ruinging all of your effort by eating to much fatty foods. If you are trying to lose weight, don't waste your time with this. Get yourself to the gym and work hard, eat well, and you'll see results on your own.Get more detail about Slendertone Flex Pro Abdominal Muscle Toner.

Low Price Hers MS 93 Stepper with Handle


This is the exercise equipment I have been looking for. I needed strength in my legs and this is great. I tried a treadmill but we just did not get along. This is easy and if I may say it, "almost like fun"! I would give this a high rating so far. You don't need to work out for a long time to feel the effects. ps. I GAVE the treadmill away.Get more detail about Hers MS 93 Stepper with Handle.

Save 2009 Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Fluid Trainer, Riser Ring,Watt Computer, and Kinetics Floor Mat Package


Arrived promptly, it was easy & simple to assemble. There is a video to assist in the assembly, but wasn't necessary. Works great, very fluid and consistent resistance. Was a good package deal if your getting started with a trainer. Get more detail about 2009 Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Fluid Trainer, Riser Ring,Watt Computer, and Kinetics Floor Mat Package.

Discount Apex JD-1.2 Slant Board


Great shipping as usual and very happy with the weight of it. It is easy to move around. Putting it together was simple enough--about 10 minutes.

The issues for me:

- too short; would be better if the board were about a foot longer
- the padding on the rails; pretty cheap stuff. The back of my knees hurt quite a bit when using it. Wish they were denser.
- no adjustments. You can't adjust the angle. One size fits all.

It is fine for a cheap, usable slant board, but wish I had invested in a more expensive, higher quality one.
Get more detail about Apex JD-1.2 Slant Board.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Cheapest Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill


I was concerned that this treadmill would feel flimsy or be noticeably shorter or narrower than standard treadmills, but it's a very good size for a nice full stride. I never feel like I'm shortening my stride because I'm out of track. I bought it so I wouldn't have to exercise at night in the dark or leave my daughter home while I exercise -- safety is worth $599! Tack on the free shipping and no tax, and this is a great deal.

When I saw the older woman moving it around with ease in the video I expected it to be lighter than it is. I'm 36 and in decent shape, and it's kind of heavy. It rolls easily, though, and unfolds easily also. It's just maneuvering it in tight places that is a bit tricky because of its size and weight. I have a very small bedroom taken up mostly by a queen bed. The treadmill does fit under my bed height-wise, but it sticks out length-wise about 3 inches because I can only fit it perpendicular to the way I sleep. If you're planning to put it under your bed, either have a king-size bed or make sure you can maneuver the treadmill so that it goes under the bed head to toe rather than perpendicular to the way you sleep.

The track took more adjustment than I was anticipating after loosening it to lubricate it. I'm still tweaking it after 10 uses to keep it in the middle (or close to it).

And like others, I can't get the heart rate monitor to work. But I don't really care about that.

All in all, this is a solid machine for my purposes -- daily walking in the safety of my very small home.Get more detail about Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill.

Cheap Stamina 1300 Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike


I actually think I am better than average in terms of mechanical assembly, but it was very difficult to figure out how to assemble the tension cable. Everything worked fine after the initial assembly. However, the seat is extremely hard and uncomfortable!! In addition, for a short legged person like me (I'm about 5'3".), even the lowest position on the seat makes it pretty hard for me to reach the pedals. Also I wish the pedals would stay at one position rather than rotating all over(360 degrees). The positions of the pedals and the arm rests are too far for my height, you cannot adjust them. I am thinking about buying a gel seat cover but afraid it will just add the height. So if you are shorter than average, do not buy this bike! I should have invested a little more for better features.Get more detail about Stamina 1300 Magnetic Resistance Upright Bike.

Buying Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper


So far, seems to be a good quality product. Very quiet during operation. I did think it had wheels for easy moving but, it does not.Get more detail about Stamina SpaceMate Folding Stepper.

Buy Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill


So far so good! Just one month into ownership. Read all reviews before purchasing along with Consumer Reports reviews and happy with purchase. The small details/negatives of fan that doesn't produce (haven't used it yet) or being able to read prompts of programming haven't hindered me. Just take your time and enjoy! Try using a dinasaur of a treadmill at a gym to realize how amazing this treadmill is. This is a solid machine. Just don't go up too many floors with it as it is a heavy piece. Delivery was smooth and people courtious. I'll keep you posting on long term use!Get more detail about Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Purchase Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer with Flex Master Attachment


This product is great. I can exercise with little effort.
Came quickly and have used it on a daily basis.
Easy to put together, takes a few minutes,and extra bonus was the Flex master.
Would recommend for folks with limited exerciseing movements.Get more detail about Ab Rocket Abdominal Trainer with Flex Master Attachment.

Order Merit Fitness 715T Treadmill


I have been on the treadmill almost everyday since I received it, and very much enjoy it. I don't think I've had it long enough to tell much of a difference yet, but know that it is helping me to become healthier. I recommend it for others.Get more detail about Merit Fitness 715T Treadmill.

Where To Buy Gazelle Freestyle


I bought the Gazelle a little over a year ago as a space-saving and cheaper alternative to an elliptical machine. I'm 30 years old, not always the best about working out but also not horribly out of shape, and I thought this would be an easy way to get a quick workout at home. Unfortunately, I find it really hard to work up on a sweat on this machine or get my heart rate up, and the harder I try, the more the Gazelle starts moving across my living room with me on it. It also doesn't fold up small enough to fit under my couch or bed, which is a disappointment. I wish I had just waited and saved up for a real exercise machine. In the meantime, I'm sticking to my aerobics DVDs for my home workouts and using this as a clothes drying rack. I think this would be a better purchase for someone who really doesn't exercise much and has bad knees.Get more detail about Gazelle Freestyle.

Shop For Ab Wheel


This product is great, I mean for the price they offer for it, I couldnt have asked for a better deal. I totally rec. it if you want to have something for your abs.

enjoy

Get more detail about Ab Wheel.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sole F80 Treadmill


This treadmill is great. Bought it 2yrs ago and it runs like the 1st day. I haven't had any issues with it. I have logged lots of miles in 2yrs. I remember when I received it, my son who was 8yrs old helped me put it together. It still works perfectly. Get more detail about Sole F80 Treadmill.

Paradigm 7101 ACTIVcycle Motorized Exercise Cycle Review


I have M.S. and with this you have no movement in legs so they tingle and with this I get my circulation going and no more tingling.
Thanks,
Kimberly
Get more detail about Paradigm 7101 ACTIVcycle Motorized Exercise Cycle.

Ab Lounge Sport Top Quality


This is so easy to use, I don't believe I'm exercising. Haven't had it long so no results to report. But it feels good to be doing SOMETHING!Get more detail about Ab Lounge Sport.

Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike This instant


I bought this bike a couple months ago while almost 6 months pregnant and have been using it practically everyday since. I wanted to start an exercise routine that would get my heart rate up, tone up my legs, but was also easy on the back. I am still on one of the lower tension settings and have been able to work up a sweat and feel a good muscle pain afterwards, and I am excited that I still have a lot more tension to work with. It took nothing at all to put together, my husband had it together in about 30 minutes and I started using it immediately. The main reason I bought this particular bike was the folding-up feature, that is my favorite part! And as soon as I am done, I can fold it up and stick it in the corner of my bedroom..completely out of the way. Even after the baby is born, I plan on using this bike as my main exercise routine. I feel it gives me the same workout I was used to with doing step aerobics, as long as you add your own floor exercises with it. And how great to be able to watch tv or listen to music all while exercising to really keep you going! Get more detail about Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Apex Roman/Hyper Extension Bench Immediately


I really like my new hyperextension bench it was really easy to put together. It's really sturdy, and just the right size not to big and not to little. I'm very happy with my purchase!!Get more detail about Apex Roman/Hyper Extension Bench.

Phoenix 99608 Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike Best Quality


I wanted something to use as a backup on winter days when I can't walk or bike outside. This suits my needs perfectly. It's quiet, so I can watch a Sopranos episode while I ride. As promised, it's easy to assemble. Speed, time, and calorie indicators are easy to read. And, best of all, you just turn a knob to increase the tension! If you're a low-tech walker or casual jogger/cyclist, this one's for you. Oh yeah...The price is right, too. It's a deal you can't refuse!Get more detail about Phoenix 99608 Magnetic Recumbent Exercise Bike.

Schwinn Active 10 Series Upright Exercise Bike Get it now!


It's a great bike. Very easy to put together and the price is awsome. It looks great too.Get more detail about Schwinn Active 10 Series Upright Exercise Bike.

Stamina 1205 Precision Rower Buy Now


I literally received this product on Friday (12/4), and put it together on 12/5. Today is 12/7 and the rower broke (one of the shock absorber detached from its frame). I strongly believe many of the reviews in this section are plants from the Stamina company. Stay away from this product!!!Get more detail about Stamina 1205 Precision Rower.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Kinetic Riser Ring Order Now


This product is well built and comes with 4 positions however the Bicycle Trainer I have lifts the bike high so I can only use the highest position or I'll be on a downhill slant...other than that its fine.Get more detail about Kinetic Riser Ring.

Spinervals Fitness DVD 2.0 Sweating Buckets Decide Now


The first time I did this workout, I wasn't all that impressed. Then I took the time to count the teeth on my rear cog and realized that I was riding in much lower gears than called for. Once I got in the right gear, I loved it. This workout is all business. No cutesy stories about being chased by dogs or bees, just plain old hard work.Get more detail about Spinervals Fitness DVD 2.0 Sweating Buckets.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer Right now


We bought this machine from Sports Authority to get an elliptical for the apartment and it was fairly easy to put together with two people. However, it stopped working after we turned it on twice. We didn't even get a chance to work out on it before the console wouldn't turn on, the very same day we bought it nonetheless.

We had to take the thing apart and still aren't sure what's wrong with it. Our theory is that the upper wire is broken, so we called Schwinn customer service to try and get a replacement part last week. We called again a week later and they still haven't ordered the part because they don't have a part number for it. So, now we have to wait a week for them get a part number and another week for them to ship the part...and we aren't even 100% sure that it's that part that's broken!

We may return the machine because our experience with Schwinn customer service and the machine itself have been abysmal so far..and we haven't even used the elliptical yet. Get more detail about Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Low Price Body Rider Magnetic Elliptical Trainer


Make no mistake, this is a cheap piece of crap, as I suspected when I saw how small the box was. The horizontal braces are not just small, they are absurdly short. This is a design flaw--how much more would it have cost to make the bars a couple inches longer to keep the machine from swaying with every step? That the cheap plastic frame was cracked didn't particularly bother me; more worrisome is that the steel is evidently of extremely poor quality. A bolt at least 7mm thick snapped right in half while I was tightening it. The only question now is whether it is worth the trouble to send back this piece of junk or somehow try to make use of it. I suppose I get some exercise by pulling the thing from side to side. You get what you pay for. I can't imagine what the cheaper version is like. Get more detail about Body Rider Magnetic Elliptical Trainer.

Save Stamina 4545 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Bike


My doctor suggested my getting an excerise bike after my knee replacement. The bike came quickly. I didn't know the bike was unassembled and putting the bike together was painful. Adding to the discomfort, I am mechanically challenged. Thankfully, my 5 year old granddaughter was there to help put the bike together. The only problem I had was the connections to the display were broken and so that doesn't work. However, the bike is much better than the one in physical therapy and I rub it in at therapy. I try to use it for an hour each day and it has helped restore motion to my knee. Thanks - Get more detail about Stamina 4545 Magnetic Fusion Recumbent Bike.

Discount Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill


pretty good for its price, but am a bit worry about the belt making the funny noise. The assembly of the handlebar was also difficult, but otherwise self-explanatory.Get more detail about Stamina InMotion II Manual Treadmill.

Cheapest Blackburn Sweat Net Bicycle Sweat Protector for Indoor Bicycle Trainers


It works just like it's supposed to. It does not interfere with my legs, like I thought it might. I use to use an old towel to keep the sweat off my bike, but sometimes it would fall off mid-ride or it would sweat through. I know, gross. I have seen bikes that weren't taken care of and you'd be surprised how much damage sweat can cause on your expensive bike. Get more detail about Blackburn Sweat Net Bicycle Sweat Protector for Indoor Bicycle Trainers.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Cheap AKROwheels Total Body Functional Training System


Today was the second day/time that I used these wheels and while doing a pushup with the Akrowheels, one of the wheels literally broke off where it was SUPPOSED to be welded on to the rest of the unit. The screw which was tight, was still in tact. The was a tiny tac weld, which as weld done in one spot, almost like a large dot. IT WAS SURELY NOT WELDED PROPERLY TO SUPPORT ANYONE. I only weight 150lbs, so theres no way that there was excess weight beyond recommended max weight limit.

The worst part is that when the wheel broke off, the broken weld sliced into my thumb which was and still is bleeding heavily 2 hours later.

I like-ED this product, of course until it broke and injured me.

I recommend staying away from this product until there is some r&d done to improve the build quality of this product. For the amount of money asked for this product, there is NO way it should be made so flimsy. I am a personal trainer and if one of my clients hurt themselves like I did using this product, I or my fitness club could be sued heavily.

My 2 cents,

MichaelGet more detail about AKROwheels Total Body Functional Training System.

Buying Amazonman Reading Rack/Book Holder/Magazine Holder


I work out on a treadmill and recently switched gyms and the new one did not have these, so I ordered it through Amazon. It is exactly what I was looking for so that it can keep my book open while exercizing. I love it!Get more detail about Amazonman Reading Rack/Book Holder/Magazine Holder.

Buy Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer


This fluid trainer is excellent. This trainer is solid and sturdy with no movement or tipping. The fluid resistance is realistic and will keep giving you a good workout. If you have a road bike, the noise won't be a factor. I use mine with a mountain bike, but I have a trainer wheel to keep the noise down.

Get yourself a Speedometer, Cadence, distance bike computer to track yourself. Get more detail about Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer.

Purchase Slendertone Women's System Abs Toning Belt


The belt was sent on time in a very good condition, actually in its box. The belt works fine and I enjoy using it. I reccommend this seller.Get more detail about Slendertone Women's System Abs Toning Belt.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Order Blackburn Trakstand Ultra Indoor Bicycle Trainer


This was easy to set up and use right out of the box. Pretty easy instructions. Fast delivery too.Get more detail about Blackburn Trakstand Ultra Indoor Bicycle Trainer.

Where To Buy Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine


I bought a Model D with the PM3 monitor in August, 2009. I have been overweight my entire life and in November of 2008 I finally decided to change my life. I started a new way of eating with Nutrisystem and I started exercising. I bought an elliptical and treadmill to join my stationary bike and started losing weight. As I slowly became more fit, I kept researching other things I could do to keep my interest in exercise going. I'd never seen an indoor rower, but read about them as being terrific exercise in various places. I started looking really hard at them when I realized just how great a workout they offered at a low impact. Concept 2 is considered the standard in rowing machines. I was very pleased with the price point as well. I'd already spent a lot of money on the treadmill and elliptical and didn't want to drop a lot more. One very nice thing about Concept 2 machines is that they hold their value very well. I couldn't find a used Model D in my area on Craigslist, but the Model C's and B's were still selling for great prices. That helped solidify my decision to purchase a Concept 2.

Ordering was easy. I got the PM3 monitor because I already have a polar watch/monitor and because it was slightly cheaper. I initially didn't get the polar receiver, but have since bought it as it is much easier to look at the monitor and see my HR than having to try and peer at my watch. I chose the Model D versus the Model E again because of price. The only difference between them (other than the Model E only comes with the PM4 monitor) is that the Model E sits up higher off the ground. I'm still pretty spry, so I didn't care about this. And I find that I have no problem sitting on the rower or getting off of it. It was delivered in one big box (but the whole thing is much, much lighter than most other fitness machines like my treadmill and elliptical which required common freight shipping). I opened the box, removed the 2 pieces, screwed in the 4 feet and was rowing within a half hour. Very, very easy to set up.

I really like the ability to track the distance and time that I row and trying to improve my times. The software that comes with it includes an online log book that you can upload your data to and even rank yourself compared to others in your class [male/female, age and weight (lightweight vs. heavyweight)]. The Concept 2 following is huge; there is a forum for people in the U.S. and a more active one for people in the U.K. There are several training programs developed by different people that you can follow. There is third party software that you can buy (limited versions ship with the rower for you to try) like RowPro where you can actually link online and race people from around the world! There are even indoor rowing championships/contests all over the U.S. using...what else? Concept 2 rowers, of course! Once you row 1,000,000 meters on your machine, the company will send you a t-shirt. There are also rewards for people rowing longer distances. There are contests as well. Right now, I am aiming to row >100,000 meters between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For everyone who does accomplish this, Concept 2 will donate a certain amount of money to one of 3 charities (you get to decide which one receives the donation for your part). What a great company!

I row while I watch TV; usually a sporting event (Pittsburgh Penguins hockey is my fave!) I have no trouble hearing the TV. I row a combination of intervals and longer distances. I've definitely seen improvements in my cardiovascular fitness. I still do a variety of exercise, including using my treadmill and my elliptical. Of all these activities, I think rowing wins hands down in terms of how effective a workout it is. I've enjoyed it so much that I bought a Model D for my dad to use at his house (and I can use it when I visit!). He is recovering from bypass surgery and started rowing in rehab. He really likes it too. I recommend using some sort of gloves for your hands; I've developed calluses where the bar is held, but I wear some weightlifting gloves while I row so I can keep a good hook on it (I sweat a lot). I bought the dust cover for it too as I have animals and lot's of dust in my house. If it is set up, you can put the dust cover on, but if it is taken apart the cover won't fit it. When it is taken apart, it takes up very little room. I just set it in a corner. Putting it back together is very easy, but I have learned to be careful as you can pinch your finger if you don't pay attention.

Overall, I think this is one of my best fitness purchases. It is a very solid machine and I know there are many people out there who have had their machine for many, many years. I can't see my much more complicated elliptical or treadmill lasting that long. It provides a fabulous workout and I love the ability to rank myself against other women in my age and weight class from around the world. I like seeing if I can improve my times. And I love the ability to break it apart and stick it in a corner when I have people over. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get fit. I've lost over 100 pounds so far, feel great and look great. A priceless combination!Get more detail about Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine.

Shop For Stamina InStride Pro Electronic Stepper


I love to bicycle and hike, but not in cold weather. I bought this to keep my legs from turning to rubber over the winter- it seems to be just what I was wanting. I can feel it in the same muscles. As other have mentioned, the bands are a bit too long for me, but since I mainly use them for balance assistance this is not a problem. The instructor in the video is not as uptight and strained as some I have worked out to, and it's simple to learn the routine, skip the dvd, blast the ipod and go. The routine is only 10 minutes or so, but I use other non-equipment related workouts after the step workout so that's no problem. It seems like a durable piece of equipment, none of the squeaking others have dealt with. Overall, it seems a very good way to keep up a bit over a long winter.Get more detail about Stamina InStride Pro Electronic Stepper.