Why choose a Fluid Indoor Rower to get fit over other fitness and gym equipment

Over the years I have spent a lot of time working out and trying to stay fit training in gyms, health clubs and doing some free weights at home.. I usually went to the gym 2-3 times a week; I would break each session into doing the following, 20-30 minute on a treadmill or cross trainer, and then do the rounds on the weights circuit.

I got fit and toned but never managed to stay fit and toned for long. I love food and eating out and generally having a good time.

After much research and looking at ways to get fit and back into shape, I decided on a rowing machine, now the only machine I have ever used in a gym is a Concept2, quite a novelty when you have the wind cooling you as this machine is air driven. With the concept2 rower you get quite a lot of features from the PM3 monitor that records your stroke, distance as the norm and you can even upload your data to various web sites and track how well you’re performing.

So my mind was set to purchase a concept2 and I started to look around for a great deal, this is where I hit a brick wall. I never for one minute thought I would be looking at the best part of a grand for a rowing machine! I then started to look on ebay taking my search to independent second hand dealers. I then came across www.healthclubsathome.com which is located in Peterborough. Health Clubs At Home offer mail order items through an online shop and also has a large show room so you can try before you buy. I did some Google searches and they came highly recommended.

The purpose of my visit was to view the second fitness equipment, to negotiate a deal on a refurbished Concept2 rower. I couldn’t justify £1000 on a new rower, so a refurbished product was my only option.

When I arrived at www.healthclubsathome.com I was met by a nice guy called Rob who showed me round the equipment for sale. I put the Concept2 through its paces and it performed much the same as the Concept 2 indoor rowers I used at the gym.
Now for £650 the concept 2 rower I was offered looked as new, with hardly any signs of real wear and tear. Now what caught my eye then was Rob very excitedly told me they had become agents for First Degree Fitness who produce the Fluid Rower.

I hadn’t used a Fluid Rower before although I had heard of them, Rob took me through to the main show room, where the various models of the Fluid Rower were on display ready to try out! The first thing that stood out was the water chamber, its bright blue colour against the silver of the frame, made the whole thing visually appealing almost like looking at a car you have never driven, but thinking that it will be very tasty.

I jumped onto the Fluid Rower E216 the cheapest indoor rower in the Fluid Technology range. Straight away I noticed the seat was in a great position and wasn’t to low, higher than the concept 2 and very easy and comfy to actually get your bum onto it. The foot rests were bang on and not to wide apart.

The handle on the Fluid Rower is so much better than the concept 2 rower, it doesn’t look or feel cheap and has a nice weight to it and felt balanced in my hands.

My first few strokes on the Fluid Rower convinced me I was going to buy it, the instant grab and resistance, the swish and swoosh of the water, it felt perfect.

Compare the concept 2 and its air system and the initial resistance is poor you almost get a few inches of stroke before the concept 2 rower starts to bite, then once you over come that initial force it then peeks and almost turns using its own force, almost free wheeling the large fan wheel. Compare this to the stroke on the Fluid Rower, its there no wait, no slip just constant force, when you stop your stroke the fluid rower stops!

The best part is now the price of £669 for a brand new Fluid Rower E216, I had decided straight a way it was a no brainer. I later did some more research and found www.healthclubsathome.com to be the cheapest by nearly £145, with all other retailers selling the Fluid Rower E216 from £799 - £830. Fluid Technology have a great web site with loads of information and also check out www.fluid-rower.com

So with a few clicks of the mouse, one Fluid Rower was ordered and delivered. So far I have been very impressed with the service I had received from health clubs at home. I will be posting details of the Fluid Rower and starting my 30 day plan to shed a stone and get back into shape for the summer!!! Watch this space

article taken from a review by paul from stamford

Why choose a Spin / Spinning Bike to get fit over other fitness and gym equipment

Spin Bike / spinning training using Precor, startrac, life fitness, technogym, johnnyg.

Spinning / Spin class training has got to be one of the best low impact ways to get fit and stay in shape, the aerobic advantage to bike riding can be nearly twice twice as beneficial as elliptical or treadmill with impact on joints reduced by over 50%.

Most training can be tailored to most people of various physical ability. The training starts out with basic stretching, core abdominal exercises and goes into proper technique on how to use the stationary bike properly, proper body position, seat adjustments, terminology etc. The workout is split for the beginner at 50/50 Bike to physical exercise off the bike. For the more advanced rider the break goes to 80/20 bike to exercise off the bike. This program can be done as a solo and group programs forming soon.

The pro's of Spining and spin bike training exercise

· greater increase in cardiovascular activity
· overall better fitness
· gain in strength
· better balance and flexibility
· improved endurance and stamina
· greater calories burned
· stress relief

It can be done by all ages, from childhood up even through the adult years when painful aches and pains wont let the joints allow for more stressful exercise like running.

For overall well being and the mind

Getting on a bike and riding is a proven form of stress release. Even if your riding for pleasure or for a specific training goal, consider cycling for weight loss in a variety of ways.

Have a ride of about an hour every day could allow for a one pound a day weight loss.

SPIN BIKE WORKOUT PROGRAM, BIKE YOUR WAY TO A BETTER WORKOUT!

This guide is for a person that is in good shape and has consulted with a doctor before starting any sort of exercise plan or fitness program. If your looking to purchase a used spin or spinning bike why not view the great selection at www.healthclubsathome.com With an indoor spin bike/exercise you can get on your bike what ever the weather.

We have listed some models that are ideal for the complete beginner or the more experienced rider.

InStyle V800 Spin Bike £999 New Fitness Equipment our pre owned price £295 The InStyle V800 Spinning Bike offers a new level of fitness and gym equipment, The superb InStyle range of studio bikes are suitable for the most demanding home or commercial use and are priced including delivery and optional professional installation. All Instyle Aerobic studio bikes are designed and built to take the heaviest club workouts. InStyle were the first to develop a handle bar mounted emergency braking system, together with our own safety pedals. Added to this, Instyle Aerobic Studio bikes were the first to pass the European safety test. The V800 SQ Studio Bike is the ideal bike for the professional fitness centre, with a proven track record in fitness centres, this bike will give many many years of home use. and prices start at only £295

StarTrac Spin V-Bike - New Gym Equipment price £899 our pre-owned price £295 Star Trac V-Bike provides a smooth, efficient pedal stroke and incomparable comfort. Every rider is ensured a perfect fit thanks to its micro-adjustable handlebars and seat- including women with short torsos and men who tower over six feet. A better fit means less stress on the knees & lower back and greater efficiency for the rider. The bottom line? No other bike can compare with the V-Bikes style, fit and innovative component. from only £295.

We have listed an hour long program below to show how varied a training program can be using an indoor spin / spinning bike or indoor exercise bike.

• 5 warm-ups off the bike, this includes stretching and
  loosening up
• 5 minutes of core work, abs and low back work
• 5 minutes warm-up on the bike easy pace both sitting
  on the seat and coming off
  Break down: 2 minutes on the seat 2 minutes off the
  seat, higher intensity and 1 minute warm down.
• 5 minutes of wall pushups, wall
  dips, lunges, squats, jumping jacks, simulated jump
  rope, and knee pushups etc.
• 5 minutes back on the bike, 1-minute warm-up on the
  seat or off, 3minute higher intensity run off the
  seat, 1 minute warm down.exercise
• 5 minute plyometeric same as above boot camp style.
  BREAK 3-minute break for water, bathroom, more
  intensive coaching consultaqtion etc,
• 10 minute interval training on the bike
  Breakdown 2 minute warm-up, 2 minute picking up the
  pace, getting off the seat, 1 minute bringing down the
  pace and sitting on the saddle, 2 minute picking up
  the pace getting off the seat, 1 minute bring in down
  the pace, 2 minute getting off the saddle, 1 minute
  back on the seat.
• 8-minute abs and a set similar to above
  2-minute stretch and loosen down period, congrads you
  survived were done!

HOW TO SELECT THE PROPER SEAT HIEGHT FOR YOU ON YOUR BIKE!

Continuing ths exercise series on Spin bike exercise and enjoyment, probably the most iportant thing is the proper seat hieght for you. If the seat is too low, you won¹t be able to get enough leg extension on the downstroke and your legs will tire out faster. If it's too high, you'll be straining to reach and might injure yourself. Here's a good rule to follow: Your upstroke knee should never exceed hip level, while your downstroke knee should be about 85 percent straight. And don't grip the handlebars too tightly, as this will increase the tension in your neck and shoulders.