Best Fitness Machines

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   what is the best fitness machine to lose weight?
   i want to hire a machine for a while and the general options from what i can see are ellipticals, treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines. Please tell me if you have had experience with these machines and what is best for losing generalized weight as well as perhaps slimming thighs (but not those day time TV advertisement machines.)
   thanks a lot
   xox

   • ANSWER:
     yourself
     don't trust the advertisement .

     sports is the best way .

2. QUESTION:
   What is the best fitness machine to get an overall healthy and toned body?
   I want to buy a fitness machine but there are so many options. I want one that tones pretty much your whole body (stomach, thighs,buttocks,arms,legs...etc.) and if not tones as mmany parts possible. What would you guys recommend treadmill,elliptical trainer, rower...etc and if you guys know other types can you tell me the name of the machine and what it does and what part of your body it tones.

   Thanx guys.

   • ANSWER:
     I'm gonna be traditional here, and tell you about a miracle exercise that is absolutely free:

     Running with weights.

     Now, running on its own is a joy within itself, but add some weights to your arms, and viola! works your entire legs, butt, stomach, arms. In addition, you can put on some tunes and just keep going and going...

3. QUESTION:
   what is the best fitness machine for home?
   i want to buy something to do some cardio at home.

   what is best? a elliptical, bike, or something else??
   and where can i get one that is not too expensive?

   • ANSWER:
     the best work out equipment to date are these things that have been around for years, but everyone seems to have forgotten about them, they are the best, ive tried ab rollers, ab loungers, treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines and these are just the best, and its so weird because its the cheapest too- heres what you need - a good pair of running shoes to go for a run or walk around your neighborhood everyday, some big cans of beans or vegetables to weight lift with, a nice flat floor area to do some situps, push ups, lunges etc, a jump rope or maybe just a stereo to dance to the music, and of course good ol' water...

4. QUESTION:
   whats the best fitness machines?

   • ANSWER:

5. QUESTION:
   I want to tone up my bum, thighs and stomach, is a cross trainer the best fitness machine to get?
   I want something that will tone me everywhere, but most importantly my bum. Heard that a cross trainer is the best way to do that, i want a quick fix really. Im going on holiday in Sept and want to look better by then. I tried squats but cant really see any difference.

   • ANSWER:
     No one thing is going to fix everything. for your stomach I would say crunches and leg lifts. One gets the upper abs one gets the lower. Running is a excellent over all exercise but it can be hard on the knees. cycling burns allot of calories and keep s your knees in tact also tightens your glutes. Elliptical walker is another good piece of equipment for toning the glutes.

6. QUESTION:
   The best fitness machine to lose weight?
   I don't want to get too muscular but I would like to tone up, get fit and lose a little weight along with a healthy diet.

   So what is best? A treadmill, a pilates machine or what?

   I'm female, 154 pounds (11 stone) and about 5'6 if that's important.
   Thanks.

   • ANSWER:
     treadmill (30 mins) or bike (40 mins)!
     i've done this everyday so far since the beginning of may, and I've already lost 5 pounds

7. QUESTION:
   What is the best fitness machine?
   I want to tone my body especially my abs a little and my arms and calves. I'm not sure what machine to buy for the best exercise that can give me the best results and isn't too expensive?

   • ANSWER:

8. QUESTION:
   I just joined Retro fitness. What would be the best machines to use, to lose weight?
   I want to flatten my stomach etc!

   • ANSWER:
     Well to lower your body fat %, aerobic exercise, so treadmill, and high reppetition exercises with freeweights, like dumbells can help burn the fat. Remmember you dont get abs by just doing situps, body fat burns off everywhere, you cant isolate the loss.

9. QUESTION:
   Where do I find the best deals for an elliptical fitness machine? Do gyms sell their older machines? Where?
   I'm not looking to spend more than 0. Do gyms have auctions or something?

   • ANSWER:

10. QUESTION:
    What is the best elliptical fitness machine under 0 bucks?
    Now that I have to get ready for bikini weather?

    Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      so im guessing the ceiling swing over the bed is out???

11. QUESTION:
    Best fitness machine to burn fat and calories?
    other then a treadmill, I'm looking for something 0 and under....thanks!!

    • ANSWER:
      elliptical, stair climber,

12. QUESTION:
    What is the best abs fitness machine on the market?

    • ANSWER:

13. QUESTION:
    Which home fitness machine gives the best overall workout?
    I've realised I don't have room for a treadmill which was my first choice, so I'm looking for something a bit more compact like a cross trainer or an exercise bike. Would like to increase aerobic fitness mainly, but also tone up and become leaner and fitter. I'm not overweight (5'4" and weigh 49kg) and fairly active (fast walk about 4-5 miles a day). What do you think would be best?

    • ANSWER:
      the best thing is a skipping rope,

14. QUESTION:
    best machines at 24 hour fitness?
    im getting a member ship there, and i wanna kno which machines are best for losing weight&gaining endurance ; and how long i should go on them.(:

    • ANSWER:
      Alternate between cross trainer and bike. 30 - 45 minutes of low intensity training (65% V02 max) for weight loss, or 20 minutes medium intensity training (80% V02 max) for endurance.

      Hope this helps

15. QUESTION:
    best fitness machine/ equipment for under 0?
    I want something hopefully cardio wise that is under 0 so I can use it in my own home. I dont want weights im talking like leg machines, stationary bike, cheap yet effective treadmills. thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      a mini trampoline will set ya back all of 20 bucks and its major cardio, and fun to bounce to your favorite tunes..you can also buy a stepper..you know the hard plastic contraption that you see those people using in the workout videos..then id buy some 2 pld weights and maybe even some elastic bungee cords for good measure..you can buy a nice excersize mat and even a few new cd's to get your blood pumping for the workout your about to have..good luck....go to wal mart..all of these things are there...

16. QUESTION:
    Best fitness machine for building & toning glute, calf & thighs. ex steppers, incline machine or elliptical?

    *machines* i know how to do squats and lunges

    • ANSWER:
      Based on my personal use I recommend Norditrac products for walking and climbers,but Bowflex is by fare the best in the market to totally transform your body and if you dont want to buy pricey equipment PS90x i the best program out there to help you...Good Luck hope this helps...

17. QUESTION:
    What is the best aerobic machine for overall fitness?
    I'm thinking about getting an eliptical or a treadmill. I figure running on a treadmill is a better aerobic workout, but it doesn't work as many muscle groups as an eliptical. I'm torn between the two.

    And are there other types of machines I should consider?
    I don't need to lose weight. I want something that is more for performance.

    • ANSWER:
      Elliptical will not mess up your joints. Will work your legs really nicely. IT is a nice workout if you make yourself sweat.

      It is easier to sweat in a treadmill - and you can walk watching TV...

      I'd go for the elliptical if you are worried about join problems, and for the treadmill if you are 100% healthy and don't have injuries.

18. QUESTION:
    What kind of at-home fitness machine has worked best for you?
    I asked which is better gym or at home but forgot to ask which machine the at home users liked the most

    • ANSWER:
      I don't like gyms...even if they were free, I would not go there. Everybody's sweating in the same room and I cannot really be comfortable in front of strangers, sweating as well.
      Gyms are only good if you're very strong and need a lot of heavy, expensive different machines or you need to be part of a class to get the motivation from a group (I do fine by myself).
      I'm just an average woman so all I need is a good neighborhood, a stationary bicycle and some weights (and also my thigh master and my abs bar and my push-up handles…I have very thin wrists)...and a big sturdy piano bench I use as a weight bench.
      At home, I do not have to drive there and I can do my abs in my underwear...
      On my cardio days, I use an old DP Air Gometer, which is a stationary bicycle with upper body exercise.
      It's bulky and noisy but I get the best cardio workout on it, watching TV full blast...cardios plus lower and upper body workout.
      (I have a five day routine that I just repeat...walk, cardio, walk, rest, weights, walk, cardio, walk, rest, weights)

19. QUESTION:
    What is the best inexpensive cardio fitness machine?

    • ANSWER:
      A jump-rope is very good. Jumping rope will burn tons of calories in only a few mins.

20. QUESTION:
    can someone tell me which is the best fitness machine to get a flat tummy and where can i get one.?

    • ANSWER:
      Like the others have said, you don't need any machine in particular. Re your abs- Depends if you already have the muscle tone there or not. If not then you need to build up your abs and concentrate on shedding the excess fat around your stomach where as if they are just buried then it's more important to just focus on shedding the fat. The best exercise I've found to build a six pack is the plank. Where you lay horizontal face down. Then lift yourself up so your only points of contact with the floor are your toes and your forearms. Keep your body in a straight line, don't lift your bum up and suck in your belly. This is more effective than a sit up or crunch and makes it more difficult to injure your back. You can also do it on your side to work on your obliques. As for exercises to shed the fat there are loads out there. You've just got to find the right one for you and work at the correct intensity. Figures given are work at 65-75% of your maximum heart rate (220-your age) but the harder you work the more fat you burn. It's just you won't be able to keep going for as long at 85% as you can at 75%. I think that makes sense....

21. QUESTION:
    what is the best home fitness machine?

    • ANSWER:
      Those new bowmaster machines are awesome.

22. QUESTION:
    Best aerobic fitness machine for home?
    I want to lose roughly 70lbs. Ideally, I'd be extatic to lose it by June..

    I never make it to the gym because of my classes and working full time. Does anyone know of a great exercise bike (any kind) that could help me? or maybe another affordable exercise machine that can be used to 3 to 5 times a week to aid in my weight loss?

    Any other diet advice is also welcome! thank you!!

    • ANSWER:
      1. jump rope
      2. treadmill
      3. elliptical trainer

23. QUESTION:
    what is the best home fitness machine to get,an excercise bike, rowing machine, or cross trainer???
    just to get fit and tone up

    • ANSWER:
      i would say cross trainer or a rowing machiene. I found that the rowing machiene got quite boring and it was an effort for me to do it but i haven't got bored of the cross trainer yet and it tones your legs and increases your fitness and doesn't mess with your joints like a treadmill.

24. QUESTION:
    What is the best solution for home fitness, treadmill or elliptical machine ?
    Hi all, would like to know what is best for home fitness, a treadmill, an elliptical machine (all in one) or a fixed bike ? I have about 600 Euros to spent, (+/- 800 Dollars). Would be nice to know the pros and cons between them.

    Thanks

    Mario

    • ANSWER:
      I dont like to go gym so I have to workout at home. So I made a research for best program and find Truth About Abs. It works perfectly. Best part of it is that it includes both abs exercises, fullbody exercises and supporting eating plan. It is very useful and helpful. You should buy treadmill ( it is the best of course) and with it you should use this program because treadmill wont be enough. It is cheap so you dont have to pay much. You should reat the article about it from http://www.diettipsandfitness.com for details and decide what to do. I wish I can help you! good luck:)

25. QUESTION:
    what is the best exercise Machine to improve my fitness for running..?
    what is the best exercise machine to improve my fitness, i no everyone would say the treadmill but there too much money... i need the machine to improve my running, so would it be a rowing machine, bike machine, cross trainers but not a treadmill because there too much money and i already go running, but something to help my run time too improve my fitness,
    what is the best please
    i havent got time to go to the gym and want to use this at home, thats the whole idea for buying one.....

    • ANSWER:
      As an X runner myself I can tell you that the ONLY really effective way to improve your runnung is to run. Wont cost anything and better than ANY machine you can think of.
      Interval type training is best. Short sprints followed by walks and jogging. I used to time it between lamposts: Sprint between one, walk between two then jog the next two...repeat. Seriously improves your fitness and you will find running at your normal pace is massively improved when you've done this for a couple of months. Not for the faint hearted though.

26. QUESTION:
    What is the best fitness routine to do to lose weight?
    I go to a snap fitness, and I'm wondering which machines to go on, and for how long, in order to lose weight, and tone up without bulking up.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi! Do insanity workouts drink lots of water and do change you eating routine. This will surely help you, I got my advices and tips for health and fitness from http://savalan.org. The site give great advices that will help you to reach your goal.

27. QUESTION:
    fitness machines........?
    whats the best home fitness machine ,running,cycliing or rowing,im thinking,a rowing machine might be best,but im open to suggestions

    • ANSWER:
      the elliptical is my favorite. Fully body wkout. burns more calories than a treadmilll

28. QUESTION:
    Where would be the best site to go to advertise a fitness machine?
    I have a Total Gym XL and it works great but I'm going to be moving sometime this spring and cannot take it with me.

    • ANSWER:
      eBay

29. QUESTION:
    To fitness instructors: what is the best exercise machine for overall benefits?
    I want to buy one machine and would like to buy the one that gives me the best overall workout from neck down.
    what is a bowflex machine?

    • ANSWER:
      Try these workout routines, there free!

      http://boeafitness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=1&id=1&Itemid=26

30. QUESTION:
    The best (only one) fitness machine to buy.?
    Want to buy a fitness machine to give the best ALL-round results.. once saw a climbing machine on the film "sleeping with the enemy" it seemed to have the lot... could that be the one or do you know better.. Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Powertec T Bar Machine. One of the best machines found in the gym for years. Now you can train on a T-Bar row that really works the back and is built to last a lifetime. The L-TB is built of 2 ½” steel framework for heavy duty workouts. The foot plates are diamond plate steel and are set at the proper angle to ensure precise range of motion with no pressure on the back. The dual swivel grip handle allows for both horizontal and neutral grip access. Use this machine for shrugs and dead lifts in addition to rows.
      Specifications:

      User capacity: 1
      Dimensions: 68" L x 36" W x 18"H
      Weight: 110 lbs.
      Warranty: In-Home Lifetime Warranty
      Weight load capacity:
      Lever = 400 LBS

31. QUESTION:
    What site can I enter personal statistics to find the best fitness equipment for me?
    I'm 6'8" and 300lbs, trying to find info on fitness equipment for people my size. Specifically looking for recumbent bikes anbd elipitical machines.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi there

      I have worked in fitness equipment retail for 8 years now and have a Bachelor of Physical Education. To answer your question, it does not matter which peice of equipment you use as long as you're comfortable on it as all cardio equipment is mean't for weight loss or cardiovascular excercise. Ellipticals are good because they are low to no impact while still providing weight bearing activity to keep the bones strong. Problem with ellipticals is that you need to be able to put forth 00 or more to get one that feels good, is biomechanically correct and can handle your "bigger" stature as you'll want something well built. Recumbent bikes are much cheaper, will provide you with cardio/weight loss excercise and are easy to use. Ellipticals are more efficient than the bikes because you use your entire body meaning more calories expended over a shorter period of time. People also tend to get bored on the bikes. My suggestion is to go to a gym and try them both before you buy. Last thing you want is to buy something that you don't like. As for a website, I am unsure of that. Try some of the fitness equipment manufacturing sites such as many times they will have helpful hints on buying the equipment. www.precor.com, www.iamstrong.ca (this one is more towards health and lifestyle and has testiomonials).
      Hope this helps!

32. QUESTION:
    Best cardio machine for fitness?
    What is the best cardio machine to use to increase your fitness levels? I can happily stay on a crosstrainer at a decent speed for about half an hour before really tiring, but I can run for about 3 minutes, so I assume that my fitness is somewhat buggered -_-'
    I'm 16 and a bit overweight, but not really looking to get thinner, and I don't intend to alter my whole lifestyle because it's not exactly bad and I'm not hardcore into it, I just think being fitter and having the ability to actually run for a decent length of time (I don't know, maybe for buses or the like, whatever takes my fancy) would be nice. I heavy weight train 2 out of 7 times a week after school, so it would probably help with that in someway too.

    So yeah, what is the best machine for increasing fitness? Cheers ^^

    • ANSWER:
      simple answer - a treadmill. If you have Facebook, I'd highly recommend that you would LIKE this page http://bit.ly/95D3I9 because it contains great information about fitness and diet that has helped me personally a lot. Good Luck

33. QUESTION:
    What is the best fitness program you have used?
    I have used 10 Minute Trainer and have good luck with it, but was wondering what else there was out there that has a good amount of variety in the exercises so I don't get bored. I get burnt easy if I do too many of the same exercises. What programs, websites, machines would you recommend? Budget is key too.

    • ANSWER:
      Use the videos on youtube.They have helped me do small weight training and new techniques to work on my stomach rather than just situps. i also bought "crunchless abs" video.It really works if you do it on a normal basis. it works all of the ab muscles.I have lost 12 inches in the waist since using it.

34. QUESTION:
    What is the best elastic fitness band?
    I've been looking at various elastic fitness band products and need a home exercise gym for getting stronger and losing weight. I want to tone my torso and to build bigger biceps. I heard from my trainer that elastic resistance bands are an awesome tool and a super value compared to some of workout machines that can cost thousands of dollars.

    • ANSWER:
      There's multiple fitness band companies and I've tried several options. The one I think is best was recommended by Matt Furey and is a very high quality product that is also very affordable starting at under for the basic set of bands. What's great about these bands is you can start with the basic set and order additional bands as you increase in strenght or desire to add new variety of exercises.

      The progress ive made with my set of bands also has been incredible. I got into them thinking it was mainly good for rehabbing my shoulder from a backyard football injury but when I started training with them I realized I could use them for a complete body workout. Terrell Owens works out with them and that guy has one of the best physiques on the planet.

      Ive reduced my body fat from 14 to 7%, increased my bench press max by 60 lbs. and shredded my torso and arms. My girlfriend used them to work out her legs and calves and she is looking sexier than ever.

      However, the best part of my bodylastic bands has to be the flexibility to take them everywhere and anywhere. I am a consultant and consistently traveling so its awesome to be able to tuck them into my carry-on luggage and have access to a full gym no matter where I am. Good luck and Be Well

35. QUESTION:
    What fitness class is best for me?
    I'm reallyyy skinny and im not trying to get any skinnier but i want to tone my legs, get "thicker" in muscle & just be fit overall,
    I've never been to a gym so idk what machines would be best either, any suggestions??

    • ANSWER:
      Go to the gym and ask the person at the desk about if you could get a tour of the machines. When I first started working out i was clueless as well... so when I got my membership I had one of the personal trainers there show me each machine, how to use htem, and what the machines do.

      If you are looking for a class than try a women's strength training class. If you want to get thicker than I strongly recommend not doing yoga or dance. Women have a different kind of muscle than men. If they stretch too much during the work-out than they won't get thicker.... they will gain the same amount of muscle but it will actually slim you rather than make you thicker. Dance and yoga includes stretching too often (most of their moves include stretching).

36. QUESTION:
    Which fitness center is the best and worth the cost?
    I want to get a gym membership, but I'm not really sure where I should go. I really want one that's worth the ridiculous price I'll be having to pay. I would like to know which fitness centers offer what and around how much it would cost for a one person membership.
    It would be great if the place had a pool, opened 24/7, has classes, and of course many machines to choose from.
    If you can help and let me know, thanks so much!

    • ANSWER:
      Only Bally's has lasted with me through the years. You can get an affordable membership, they don't try to scam you, there are lots of locations, etc. LA Fitness claims to be different but it is too high.

37. QUESTION:
    What machines should i use at the gym to lose weight?
    I'm a member at Planet Fitness, and i want to know what are the best machines to use to lose weight?

    • ANSWER:
      Have yu tried the lil jack workout? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKCGe2Ezris

38. QUESTION:
    What is the best way I can lose 10kg?
    I'd like to lose 10kg and was just wondering what the best way is to go about this. I have just joined a gym but the amount of machines and weights etc available is a little overwhelming! I have started eating healthier and now would like to know what the best machines are to use for healthy weight loss and general fitness.

    • ANSWER:
      When you are losing weight, you should exercise and diet together.
      If you exercise without dieting, you will get bigger appetite, which
      will lead to increase of weight, or muscle grow
      underneath the fat layer, and make you bulkier. If you diet without
      exercising, you will become flabby and will have excess skin. For
      diet, go wheat free. No pasta, pizza, bread and so on. And no food
      after 7 p.m. People achieve marvellous results with it. Depending on
      your initial weight, you can drop upwards from 20 pounds a month. If
      you don't eat wheat then you don't eat all those sticky, fatty goey
      cakes, you don't eat junk food, and you don't eat biscuits. But your
      diet is still balanced. It costs nothing, and you do not have to
      calculate points or to buy special meals or plans. For exercising,
      start with walking, and then switch to running/jogging. Running is the
      most efficient and calorie-burn exercise ever. If you are overweight a
      lot, walk first or you may have health complications (heart attack,
      disjointed bones and so on). Weight lifting is a good means to target
      your problem areas for men and women. It's not necessarily to become a
      bodybuilder or even join a gym - a couple of dumbbells will help you
      to target your problem areas (stomach, butt, legs, arms, chest).

39. QUESTION:
    what is the best,treadmill cycle or eliptical for fitness?
    I am 58yrs with arthritus in my knee, and have also had surgery on one knee, what is the best way to keep fit with these machines for someone with knee problems.

    • ANSWER:
      As long as you can bend your knee ok the ellipse is best.
      If there is a good indoor mall around,a 1 hour stint at your own pace every day is the best.
      Winter and summer the weather never changes.

40. QUESTION:
    Hello. I'm from China. Which internment camp to I go to when China and the US have a war?
    I want the one that has the best cable TV, the best fitness machines, the best music, the largest playground, oh, and the best foods and drinks.

    • ANSWER:
      Gitmo

41. QUESTION:
    Best Fitness Equipment for the home?
    I've just had my elliptical trainer collapse into a heap on me after 2 years of heavy use. Looking to replace it with another elliptical or any other cardio machine. Rowing Machine? Versa Climber? Does anyone have any suggestions as to what will give me an excellent calorie burn, toning and easy to maintain?

    • ANSWER:
      treadmill...works the fat on the more stubborn fat vulnerable areas compared to the eliptical

42. QUESTION:
    Can someone please advise me if Cross Trainer exercise machines give a good all over toning effect ?
    I want to buy a machine to use at home for gentle but effective all over toning. What is the best machine? I don't want to buy lots of different equipment, I would just like one alround machine. I don't want to look to muscular but just keep in shape. I'm not really into fitness in a big way but like to keep looking good!!!!!!
    Thanks for your help.

    • ANSWER:
      not really

43. QUESTION:
    Fitness and/or diet experts needed! What is the best exercise and nutrition program?
    What is the best workout / diet program for me?

    My background: 25 year old male, 6'2", 180 lbs, basically fit and trim. I've been doing Matt Furey's combat conditioning, eating less than 2000 cals/day and doing about 30 pull ups daily. I look and feel fit, but I have kind of a wiry look.

    My objectives:
    1. exercise no more than 30-60 mins a day.
    2. eat well, but on a budget(!) approx. /day
    3. gain strength, size to arms / torso
    4. put on a little muscle weight/size without having to consume too many calories
    5. avoid using free weights / machines, if possible, as I don't have them

    I'm not a crazy anorexic or anything, but I believe that consuming as few calories as possible will lead to a longer life.

    So I really want a lifestyle that is healthy and sustainable. IE: I don't want consider the consumption of 5000 calories worth of expensive placebo supplements sustainable.

    What is the best workout and diet program for me? Thanks a million!

    • ANSWER:
      Well first off calories are actually defined as energy. Empty calories are what you need to be concerned with. (Beer/alcohol, processed foods, sugars etc.)

      Eating too few calories per day can also be bad for you. Especailly if you are active. I suggest you figure out your daily caloric needs before starving yourself.

      Eating too little can lead to lethargia, muscle atrophy, poor energy levels, depression/mood swings, just for starters.

      If your strength training for 30-60 minutes per day it is very important you consume your daily caloric needs as well as sufficient protein/carbs/fats. Otherwise your just waisting your time in the gym.

      I consume 6-8 meals per day, consisting of 3-4 protein shakes which are cheap and full of vitamins and low calories. I suggest Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey as it is low calorie/fat plus it's cheap and tastes great.

      I weigh about 170 and am currently around 8% body fat. My caloric needs are between 2400-2800 in order for me to maintain/bulk without adding body fat. My protien consumption is around 250-300g MAX per day.

      Visit www.bodybuilding.com or www.forum.bodybuilding.com and search for daily caloric needs, etc. Play around in the forums also you'll learn a lot of beneficial knowledge. Here you will also find great deals on supplements as well as free info on training.

      As far as training, look into the Body for Life program for starts. It will give you a great foundation

44. QUESTION:
    fitness machines, what to get for track?
    I am doing track this spring, I want to know which of these machines will do what exactly and how well.
    stationary bike

    http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productdetails/sku__LI112

    mini step n flex http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productdetails/sku__LI112

    foldaway eliptical strider http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/productdetails/sku__LI112
    whats best, how long should i use it everyday and how faast will results begin to show
    i have 2 months to get ready for track

    • ANSWER:
      I've coached track for over ten years. I would recommend thinking about which events you are going to compete in and focus your training on that.

      If your running long distance (1 mile, 2 mile--slow twitch muscle fiber) all those products are great! Successful long distance runners always crosstrain; meaning they not only run, but they run up hill or do stair steppers, or elliptical to train all the muscle in their legs, not just a specific set.

      If your running sprints (400m, 200m, 100m--typically fast twitch muscle fibers); I wouldn't recommend any of these machine; I think you would get more benefit working with weights and doing quick step exercises (stairs) and short sprints with resistence (i.e parachutes, fast sprints up hill).

      Good luck and train hard

45. QUESTION:
    What home fitness equipment offers the best results?
    I want to purchase a single piece of workout equipment that offers aerobic activity but will also tone muscle. I want to burn fat and calories and tone my muscles without bulking up.

    I have been running on a treadmill in our apartment complex gym, and love the results. But I was wondering if something like an elliptical machine would offer the same results or better without the wear and tear on my body caused by running?

    • ANSWER:
      All you need are dumbbells. Use light dumbbells to make the treadmill harder. You can also do high intensity interval training like that. Then with heavier dumbbells you can do a full body basic weight lifting routine a couple times a week to tone your muscles. Don't worry, you can't bulk up without steroids. You will gain some muscle, but you won't look big at all. It will also help you gain bone density and keep your joints healthy. This will help you avoid osteoperosis and stiff joints when you get older.

      I do like elipticals. I do my intervals on those. You just switch between a high and low setting. Why not get get both. Adjustable dumbbells are cheap anyway.

46. QUESTION:
    What exercise machine works best for losing weight?
    Okay, so I REALLY want to lose 50 lbs before June. I have NO knowledge in fitness and am clueless with with all the different exercise machines. What machines work best in losing weight??? I am 5'5'' and 13 years old. PLEASE HELP. Thank you!!!!

    • ANSWER:
      If your buying something, try the treadclimber. Its 3 machines in one..and you get to use them all at once so it burns 3x as many calories. It works really well! But if your just going to the gym you have to use a variety of machines to work different parts of your body. The treadmill works a lot of muscles..so deffinetly try that. That will probably be the machine where you will lose the most amount of weight the fastest at a gym at least. Also try an elyptical (idk how to spell it lol). But that works your legs and upper body. But if your going to buy something to use at home, i'd really recommend the treadclimber! Good Luck

47. QUESTION:
    What are the best exercise machines in the gym ?
    i have a gym pass to la fitness nd am gonna go 5 days a week
    what are the best exercise machines?
    ones that make you lose fat, tone, nd slender not like buff.
    also a good workout routine to do with the machines.
    im 13 5'3 130lbs
    && about how much weight could i lose?
    thanks all answers r appreciated
    choosing bestanswer nd rating thumbs up for all good answers*
    THANKS GUYS! <3(:'

    • ANSWER:
      5 days a week will be good, if your dedicated to this and you keep a routine each week.
      For girls i recommend using the assisted machines which help build more tone instead of muscle mass. (Free weights are more for building muscle) Anyways you could do the assisted ab machines, assited leg machines...etc. Depends on whatever you want to tone up. Most of the machines will tell you what body parts will be targeted and how to use the machine.
      Lose as much weight as you feel you need to. Weigh yourself whenever your at the gym and just keep track of it each time. Do sets of 10-15 reps for the machines, thats more of an endurance routine so you will be toned. Eat smart, workout on a routine, and you will see great changes. Good luck

48. QUESTION:
    What is the best piece of cardio equiptment for all around fitness?
    Exercise bike, treadmill, elliptical, ski machine etc.
    If you had the choice of only one, what would it be?
    Any particular brand or series?

    • ANSWER:
      It really depends on what your fitness goals.I am a runner and the ONLY machine that I can get my heart rate and help my fitness level improve is the Precor elliptical.I bought one and I love it.It is not cheap though.I run one day, elliptical the next do weights the next.It is important to keep you body guessing and not do the same thing all the time.Also the elliptical in non impact on your joints but still gives an excellent workout.Also try to one day do a longer but less intense workout and the next day do interval training.Interval training is a great way to improve fitness very fast but only do it once or twice a week.

49. QUESTION:
    When working with the weight machines at the gym, how many sets and how many counts should I be doing?
    I am a 31 year old woman who has just started a fitness program, and am pretty clueless about what I should be doing. I would also like to know the best cardio machine to do?

    • ANSWER:
      No one can answer that question without knowing your current fitness level and goals.

      The modern method of assessing the intensity of a work out is to say "tell me when it feels like your effort is 7/10, with 10 being maximum effort".

      You need someone to assess you.

      Generally speaking you want to do between 10 and 20 reps, multiplied by 2-4 sets. This is meaningless unless you know what weight is right.

      The best advice would be to do a warm up of 20 repetitions, and then up the weight and do between 10 and 20 as a main set. You don't want to overdo it because you can overtrain or injure yourself and that will set you back or make you stop altogether.

      Actually I just thought of something else too when I read your email.

      I have changed to a one set to total failure system recently. The goal is to make sure you exert maximum effort and fire all muscle units. This is to achieve improvements in strength over a short time, with less risk of injury. The idea has been tested scientifically, and claims to achieve great results with less risk of injury. Important to this system is making sure you are completely recovered, even just one strength work out per week can achieve results if you work ridiculously hard and then recover with good rest and nutrition.

      It is also suggested by modern research that you should have a couple of weeks off now and then to make sure your body recovers completely, avoiding injury.

      This is for strength of course... endurance, not surprisingly, requires more repetitions and/or more sets, but less weight.

      You might ask, why do weights if I am not going to get muscles? You will improve your muscles, and they will then burn more energy every minute of the day. Furthermore, weight bearing exercise has been proven to increase bone density which is especially important for women, who commonly suffer from osteoperosis, or the break down in density of bones - that why old people always fracture their hips when they fall down.

      The best cardio, again, depends on your medical status and interests. No injuries? Run. Knee problems, ride or swim.

      Diet is also important, do not cut what you eat immediately, you need the nutrition to replace the energy you use, and to repair/build the muscles.

      The final piece of advice is the most important. Always maintain good posture while exercising, and do the exercises properly. A lot of guys go really fast or use their body to swing the weights around. Each exercise is for a specific muscle or group of muscles, and the correct technique will focus on those muscles. Bad technique can lead to injury or musculoskeletal disfunction.

      If you want some advice in the future, email me.

      Oh, finally, do not be concerned about gaining too much muscle. Women have less testosterone, which is the hormone that promotes muscle growth. Therefore women do not usually get bulky. You are simply not going to sprout Arnie style muscles, I promise you!!!

50. QUESTION:
    Best fitness routine for 25 year old male?
    I have been working out since January religiously(6-7 days a week) and I see some gains but I not the results I would like to see. I am 5'10 180 LBS 32 waist - I have weighed the same since December but have noticed changes in my body.

    My major goal is shape up my core. It is the major problem it is very out of shape but I don't want to focus on one body group. I am finding it almost impossible reduce the size of my gut, it seems everything that I eat goes right to it.

    I have been doing the same routine and I am looking for the best work outs. My current plan has been cardio one day(30 min of treadmill and 30 min elliptical machine) and the other a mix of free weights and machines(1 hour to 1 1/2 hour).

    Can someone please suggest me a guide / book / or a plan with working out that can't fail. Nothing to complicated, I am still kinda new to working out with weights. I work out at a busy gym so sometimes its limited with what I can do.

    I have no problems with motivation(I noticed some books are just geared towards it and not getting down to business), I know what I want. I have also changed my diet, I watch just everything I eat. I don't drink alcohol, fruit drinks, or soda/pop and try to drink tons of water. I also have one whey protein shake a day.

    Please help

    • ANSWER:
      Are you getting enough protein in your diet? Protein helps with the growth of muscle. I advise first starting out with protein powder shakes at least 3 times a day. I go to the website www.bodybuiling.com and that website can teach you about form and how to eat and even motivation because it's like a myspace for bodybuilders. Even if you are not trying to become a bodybuilder (which I am not) it still helps with some real good tips.
      Your diet has to be very clean in order for you to lose fat and gain muscle. It is pretty strict but the results are outstanding.
      Again, the protein is a important factor in weight training...go to GNC or any other health/vitamin store and ask them to help you with picking out a good one.