Check with Fit4sale for the December Specials

You are probably worn out from the shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend, but think of all the calories you were burning when walking up and down the mall.  

Now that you found gifts for everyone else, find something for yourself at www.fit4sale.com  and get something special for yourself.  There are great deals on used fitness equipment.  If you are in the Los Angeles area, just stop by the warehouse and pick something out.

Find your Hot Deal for you home gym before the Holidays

The holidays are here and now you  and other people think about New Years Resolutions the first thought that pops up after the holidays is I need to join the gym and get some equipment or start exercising more. December and January are big months for fitness equipment dealers and health clubs. We will probably all agree in the hustle and bustle of daily life getting to the gym can be difficult.

Some will opt for a new elliptical trainer or a treadmill instead and run off to the local Sports Retailer and buy a piece of equipment to get started. Some of what you may find in the retail stores may in fact be decent but most of it is just flimsy, what many consumers may not know is that you can purchase quality used commercial fitness equipment just like corporate health facilities have for a fraction of the original cost.

These are brand names you typically will be familiar with such as Life Fitness, Precor, True Fitness, Body Masters, Cybex, Hammer Strength, and more. Many large gyms lease equipment and after 2-5 years replace everything. This is where you can obtain a bargain as some of the elliptical and treadmills and circuit are cleaned repaired, painted and fully reconditioned to be in like new shape.

Check out all of the hot deals for the Thanksgiving weekend.  When buying refurbished equipment take it for a test drive make sure it smooth and all electronic parts are functioning.

Buying the Best Fitness Equipment

Many people are looking to buy home exercise equipment these days and find the selection overwhelming and confusing. This is normal, because there are literally thousands of possibilities. The bottom line is that choosing the right fitness equipment depends on your goals. If you want something to help you lose weight and get generally fit, the product you choose will be vastly different than if you want to start training to take part in a specific sport. Other considerations should include your age, starting fitness level, your budget considerations, and your amount of storage and set up space.

There are several options for people who are looking for a simulated running machine in their home. Treadmills are the most traditional route. They can be purchased with a wide variety of power and features to help simulate most running environments. Treadmills may not be appealing to people who are looking to reduce the stress on their joints. For those people, ellipticals have become a very appealing option. These machines mimic a running motion without reproducing the impact with the ground that can cause joint and bone damage. New treadmills and ellipticals can be quite expensive, which is why used fitness equipment is such an attractive option.

For more specific conditioning you can look to fitness equipment like bikes and stair climbers to target specific areas of the body while still getting a cardio workout. Stair machines
are great for all parts of the leg: calfs, quadriceps, hamstrings and a variety of others. Exercise bikes can accomplish the same effect. Whatever type of muscle group you are trying to target, you'll be able to find a piece of fitness equipment to suit your needs.

First week of November 2012 Specials

Check out the new specials at fit4sale.com.  Check each week for new specials.

The Total Body Elliptical Workout

The topic of discussion today is the total body workout machine- the Cybex 610-A Arc Trainer. It is a machine that cannot be measured up to. In comparisons to other eillipticals, the rest fall short. The Cybex 610-A Arc Trainer (Total Body) is not your average piece of workout equipment. It is a full body workout. Some might say that it is even more than that. Some might go so far as to say that it is a full mental workout as well. It takes a lot of mental capacity to work out your body as demandingly as the the CYbex 610-A Arc Trainer requires. This machine is definitely not for the faint of heart. So, how does it work?

The “Total Body” Cybex 610A Arc Trainer has arm handles that allow one to stress either one’s upper or lower muscles, depending on what they’d prefer at the moment. The design allows one to uphold the correct posture at any level that the ramp is inclined. This is a high intensity machine with a wide assortment of resistance levels. It also has footplates that allow for precise foot placement, making one feel relaxed while working out. It can hold users of up to 400 lbs too and is even portable! What more could one ask for?

Users of the Cybex 610-A Arc Trainer have stated that their heart rate can really increase Arc trainer, and that they think that it allows their joints to go through greater ranges of motion. They have also stated that it gets the blood flowing and that one can do much higher intensity workout. It is therefore more challenging and altogether tougher workout. It stretched their limits both physically and mentally. The amount of physical labor necessary to do the workouts on this machine requires mental stamina. But don’t just take their word for it. Try it for yourself today! Your mind and body will thank you later. Nothing else compares.

Make offer on Full Club Package of Equipment

See the list below of a full club package of fitness equipment that you can select and make an offer.  Brought to you by fit4sale.com.  See below and give fit4sale a call or go to their website for information on a large assortment of fitness equipment.

Check on Weekly Fitness Equipment Specials

Each week Fit4sale.com offers a nice selection of weekly specials.  The specials are posted to facebook and send out on emails.  Please go to facebook and like the page and go to the website and get on the mailing list to receive the weekly specials.  See the example below of this weeks weekly specials.

Real Exercise is better than a Mobile App

Sometimes the real thing works our better than the virtual solution.  Need to lose few pounds or get in shape, just like everything else there is an app for that. 

Quoted from an article on ABC News "On iTunes alone, there are more than 1,500 fitness software applications or "apps" from which to choose. In 2011, nearly 10 percent of cell phone users downloaded at least one of them to help track or manage their health, according to a 2011 Pew Research Center Internet survey.

In an effort to find out if any of these smart phone and tablet apps are actually effective, researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah analyzed 127 popular downloads and rated them for their ability to get users to change aspects of their lifestyles. Most apps fell short of this goal because, the researchers found, they weren't based on the sound scientific theories proven to spur real behavioral change"

It has been my experience that the mobile apps are good tracking tools and they can give you real information about calories eaten and caloried burned, but it all boils down to getting exercise the the right fitness equipment. 

Used Fitness Equipment

Exercise machines for the home are a great solution for losing weight and getting in shape without having to visit the gym. However, you need to realize that fitness machines are very costly. If you're a person whose income level is low and still want to work out, you can still jog around a local park, but the main defect of this would be the local weather. If it snows or rains, you might never go out.

So, the very best way to work out without going to a gymnasium is by getting used fitness equipment. Lots of people sell equipment that is as good or nearly as good as new equipment. Some sell their machines for newer models, while others sell them because they almost never get used.

Before you purchase used fitness equipment, you should consider the fact that many machines might have some maintenance problems. If it's possible, test the equipment out before buying. By doing like this you can discover any defects and performance problems the machine might have. Also, don't buy used equipment that emits unnecessary and strange noises during operation.

You might want to bring your trainer along while shopping for used exercise equipment. They would be able to tell if certain machines are in good working condition and represent a good value. They will also be able to determine what type of machine is best for you and your fitness goals.

People are exercising more

According to  IHRSA reports: "August saw more people exercising than past years, according to a Gallup and Healthways poll. That makes it seven of the eight months in 2012 with increases over the same months in the previous four years.

Gallup and Healthways asked 1,000 adults how many days in the past week they exercised at least 30 minutes. More than half of those polled in August (54.7%) replied that they exercised frequently – at least 3-4 days in a week.

Those numbers bode well for overall gym usage for 2012. According to IHRSA reports, health club usage reached an all-time high in 2011 with an average of 102.5 visits per year. And the number of "core" members – those who use the club at least 100 times a year - grew by 17.6% from 2008-2011. There were 20.5 million core members in 2008, 24.1 million in 2011."  www.ihrsa.org

To get your exercise on a regular basis you should consider buying some home fitness equipment from fit4sale.

Curbing your Appetite with Exercising on Fitness Equipment

Selecting the right kind of workout equipment is very important to your fitness program, weight loss program or weight management program.  If you are new to working out on a machine, best to start with something simple at a slower pace, maybe walking on a treadmill.   

The Cross trainers are great for overall body exercise and help the body warm up for other more intense exercise.

If you are trying to eat less to lose weight you may want to have a regular exercise will help you eat less based on the following study.  It has been shown for many people that they are less hungry after they do some exercise.  Here is an example of how it was determined that exercise makes you have less hunger:

From MedicalNewsToday.com  "On two different days, the food motivation of 17 clinically obese women and 18 average-weight women was analyzed.

The subjects used a treadmill at a quick pace for 45 minutes. They had their brain waves measured within the next hour. In order to do so, electrodes were attached to each individual's scalp and an EEG machine while looking at 240 pictures: 120 of plated food meals and 120 of flowers (flowers were used as a control).

Exactly seven days later at the same time of the morning, the team performed the identical experiment, except without the workout.

On each experiment day, the women documented what they ate and their amount of physical activity."

Check out the great prices on used refurbished fitness equipment to get your program started right.

Fitness Equipment and Weight Loss

Losing weight is most successful with a good balance of nutrition, exercise and weight training.  Here is one of the main reasons why we do not keep the weight off with exercise and or weight training is bery important for keeping the weight off. So read about why you may not be keeping your wight off: 

You Are Not Developing Sustainable Habits That Will Keep Weight Off After You’ve Lost It.
The habits that keep us overeating can be deeply ingrained. We either choose diets that fit around our habits so that they never actually change, or we try to create new habits, but fail to meet our emotional needs (as above). Sustainable habits need to be practiced until they are automatic – programmed into your subconscious mind so that you do them literally without thinking.

To help keep the weight off you may want to get a piece of refurbished fitness equipment in your home to keep you active.  Maybe something like an elliptical or treadmill to make is easy for you to exercise when you can to keep the weight off.

Buying Used or Refurbished

When many people think about getting ready for the holidays the first thought that pops up after summer is I need to join the gym and get some fitness equipment or start exercising more. September and October are big months for fitness equipment dealers and health clubs. We will probably all agree in the hustle and bustle of daily life getting to the gym can be difficult.

Some will opt for a new elliptical trainer or a treadmill instead and run off to the local sports retailer and buy a piece of equipment to get started. Some of what you may find in the retail stores may in fact be decent but most of it is just flimsy, what many consumers may not know is that you can purchase quality used commercial fitness equipment just like corporate health facilities have for a fraction of the original cost.

These are brand names you typically will be familiar with such as Life Fitness, Precor, True Fitness, Body Masters, Cybex, Hammer Strength, and more. Many large gyms lease equipment and after 2-5 years replace everything. This is where you can obtain a bargain as some of the elliptical and treadmills and circuit are cleaned repaired, painted and fully reconditioned to be in like new shape.

Exercise Bikes, Good for the Body?

Ever wonder just how good at burning fat or bulding overall fitness that an exercise bike offers? Well, now we can take a look at many of these questions and find the answers, and help decide if an exercise bike is right for you. Truth is, exercise bikes do help you lose weight by burning fat.

They are great for burning calories in the convenience of your home, such as in front of the television. They are also easy to move, light, and most fold away easily for storage. For best results with the machine it is reccomended to exercise for a longer period of time on an exercise bike than say running on a treadmill.The following is a list of benefits and negative aspects of deciding to use an exercise bike

Benefits of riding a stationary bike to help lose weight:
* easy to use
* convenient
* home use
* ideal for people not used to exercising or very overweight people
* ideal if bad weather means no other activities available
* watch TV during a workout
* low injury risk to knees and ankles
* easy to develop a rhythmic pace for better fat burning
* Helps develop a little leg strength
* air/fan assisted bikes help cool down skin while working out

Negative side to using exercise bikes for losing weight:

* only works leg mainly
* not a great overall calorie burner
* may become boring after a few workouts
* aerobic type of exercise so less chance of boosting overall metabolism rate
* can be expensive if on a budget
* Some are noisy
* not the best fitness builder
* walking would be just as good without expense
* too short range of motion

Decide what you hope to accomplish out of your exercise, then decide if an exercise bike is right for you! Fit4sale offers great discount prices on a range of exercise bikes so you are sure to find one that fits your budget.

Using Resistance Bands

When people think of strength training, the first things that typically comes to mind are free weights, weight machines, and maybe cable or free motion machines. But what about resistance bands? Many people either do not know enough about them or are confused about what they offer for your body.

People oftentimes find difficulties with using resistance bands. This can occur for a variety of reasons:

The resistance feels different. When people use free weights, gravity makes it harder to pick up the weight, than to let it fall. With bands the tensions is constant so people feel that it is harder

• Resistant bands aren't as challenging. With weights, you know exactly how much you are lifting. With bands you only know by how it feels. If you perform it correctl bands can offer all the benefits that free weights offer, and it's more effective because you get resistance from all directions.


• You don't know how to use them. A lot of people get confused about how to exactly use an exercise band. You can perform all the same exercises as with weights, you just simple have to learn how to position it.

Why you should give resistance bands a try:

• They travel well. Light and easy to transport you can bring the exercise band wherever you go.


• They increase coordination. Because of the tensions throughout the exercise, your body has to reamain stable, so in effect your coordination must increase.


• They're cheap. Bands range only from about $6.00 to $20.00 and you don't have to buy another one again. As with weights, you would have to buy all different weights for fitness progression.


• They're great for all fitness levels. Depending on how you use them, exercise bands will perform well for beginners and even fitness exeperts.

Fit4Sale is your one stop shop for great prices on all your fitness equipment needs. Check them out and start saving on your new fitness equipment!

Exercise and using Fitness Equipment

Exercise: Why it is so important and the case for using equipment
Exercise can help with so many things and it is important to understand why.  Strength training does wonders for weight loss and overall well being.
But I'm referring to garden-variety motion. And the basic notion of motion, of moving our bodies as they are designed to be used, is not sacrifice or penance.   Many machines help with giving you better motion in the body and at the same time help your body stay balanced and lose weight.
One could argue that we have known of the importance of physical activity is always been there we just need the right tools to get it done.   Without good health not much else is really that important, so getting exercise in the proper manner is very important, make the exercise you do really count.

Best to exercise on a regular basis with a treadmill to start and work your way up to the stair climbers,  those that some endurance.  Just get started today and you feel better.  

Step Up to Shape With the StairMaster

Want to work your cardio, legs, and butt all at the same time? Now you can with the StairMaster! It's one of the most popular training equipment on the market! The StairMaster comprises two footplates on which the exerciser stands. An internal chain pulls each plate up to the top automatically as you shift your body weight from foot to foot, simulating the motion of climbing stairs.The intensity of a workout on the StairMaster is controlled by a simple push button that allows you to control the speed at which each leg descends with each weight transfer.

The four biggest benefits are its ability to increase your cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, improve muscle conditioning in your legs and buttocks, as well as improve balance. It has also been known to rehabilitate hips and knees after surgery!

The StairMaster is easy to use and you can get all the benefits out of it in as little as three minutes! The best way to use the StairMaster is to not use the handrails, using them will give you a false reading of calories burned. Instead focus all your weight and energy on each step and push yourself up one step at a time. This will maximize your calorie burning!

If you're looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness, improve your muscle conditioning and burn calories, give the StairMaster a try. It's a great workout. Fit4sale offers great prices on used stairmasters you won't find anywhere else. Check them out!

Burn More Calories: Elliptical vs Stairmaster

When you go to a gym, more than likely you have witnesses the wonders of both the Stairmaster and the elliptical trainer. Both pieces of equipment also get favorable reviews from most of the people who use them, as they are both great tools for a good cardio workout. As you know, using the Stairmaster simulates real life experiences as if you were using stairs, while the elliptical simulates running without the harsh pressure on joints and muscles. As far as exercise, both are great at burning calories. However, the Stairmaster will build muscle faster, especially in the calves, thighs, and buttocks areas. Although, this comes at a price as it requires a lot of pressure on your knees and joints whereas the elliptical is free of it. When it comes down to calorie burning, the elliptical wins for sheer performance of cardio workouts. Again however, there will be minimal muscle development in the leg areas as compared to the Stairmaster, but again the elliptical offers more of a workout for less effort. Whichever one you decide to use, you will experience a great workout that helps keep you in shape and your body healthy! Fit4Sale offers many of these great products at discount prices! Check out Fit4Sale Fitness today and start saving on used fitness equipment!

Fitness Improves Children's Academics

According to Sudish Srikanth, a researcher and student from the University of North Texas, fitter children perform better academically. Srikanth presented these findings recently to the American Psychological foundation. The research used tests on 1,211 students from five Texas middle schools. The research accounted for influencing factors like confidence in ability, socioeconomic status, social support, fitness and body composition. The researchers knew from experience that socioeconomic status and confidence would play an important role in test results, but wanted to find out the influence of other factors.

The discoveries made from this study matched what other researchers had found - kids who were fit tended to do better than those who were not fit. The research findings are considered preliminary as they have yet to go through the peer review process. Trent Petrie, PhD, who is director of the Center for Sport Psychology at the University of North Texas says, "Physical fitness is associated with improvements in memory, concentration, organization, and staying on task."

Parents and school officials are urged to take the results of these studies seriously. If academic performance is as closely associated to physical fitness as is being suggested, physical education courses and outdoor activities may be just as important as math and science classes. Used fitness equipment can be purchased for schools during bad weather months so that students can stay fit all year round. Parents should encourage their children to play outdoors more often and participate in team sports activities.

Are You Lifting Enough Weight?

We've wrote before about the importance of strength exercises when it comes to losing weight, getting toned and maintaining a healthy body. Strength and fitness training provides fantastic results through a higher metabolism and more toned muscles, but some people do not push themselves hard enough when it comes to lifting. If you find yourself lifting weights at the gym or at home and you are barely breaking a sweat, you are not doing it correctly. When you lift weights, you should feel a lot of strain on your muscles, otherwise there is no point.

Weight lifting should be difficult but not impossible. You should be pushing your muscles close to the point where they can't lift another ounce. In order to do this with free weights, it's often necessary to get a spotter. A spotter is just someone who can monitor your sets and help you out if you are unable to complete a certain lift. If you don't have a friend with you during your workouts, most people at the gym would be happy to help spot in exchange for your help. If there is simply no one available, it's best to just use strength machines in order to stay safe.

The first time you lift the proper amount will inevitably lead to sore muscles. This is the result of a true strength building workout that involves the tearing of muscles so that they can be built bigger in the body's repair process. Don't worry, this is a good sign, and it's not something that will continue through your future workouts. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of protein after a workout to make sure that your body rebuilds the muscles to the best of its ability.

Entertainment Habits Can Predict Waist Size

The concept of a couch potato has been around for a long time, but a recent Canadian study confirms that children who watch more television are more likely to develop an extended waistline by the time they reach the age of 10. The study said that every extra hour of weekly viewing could add half a millimeter to waist circumference and reduce muscle fitness. Experts noted that young children should not watch more than 2 hours of television per day.

Extra television watching not only had an effect on the waist size of children in the study, but on their physical fitness levels as well. Standing long jump tests were used to measure the children's physical fitness. The study found that an extra hour of weekly TV viewing could reduce a jump by 0.36cm. Researchers said its not yet clear what direct impact TV viewing has on these health and fitness findings, but said, "The bottom line is that watching too much television - beyond the recommended amounts - is not good...Watching more television not only displaces other forms of educational and active leisurely pursuits but also places them at risk of learning inaccurate information about proper eating."

Habits gained during childhood usually become entrenched in the lifestyles of adults. This means that children who are couch potatoes at a young age will most likely continue their sedentary habits as adults. It's recommended that parents encourage physical activity like sports or even time on exercise machines to help instill positive fitness habits.

Physical Activity Leads to Lower Costs

There's one fundamental truth that most scientists and medical experts can agree upon; physical activity and exercise is a powerful weapon against bad health and a bad economy. Governments across the world are making efforts to encourage exercise amongst their citizens in order to improve the general wellfare and increase economic output across all sectors. Average lives in the western world have become more and more sedentary as technology has exploded and more people have office jobs and commute in their cars to work. The U.S. Department of Health and Human services estimates that a lack of exercise will cause 7 million early deaths in the next decade.

Many people think of exercise only when it comes to benefitting weight loss or athletic ability, but exercise helps improve quality of life across the board. One of the most noticeable affects witnessed by business owners is the increase in productivity gained by workers who exercise regularly. This phenomenon is really no surprise, as exercise improves mental clarity and stamina, helping people not only improve the quality of their work, but the quantity as well. This is why many offices have installed exercise equipment in their lobbies and recreational areas.

If more exercise makes business sense for companies, it must also make sense for the country and economy as a whole. "Governments worldwide, from the community level to national legislatures, are wising up to what businesses are already finding out," said Robert Sallis, M.D., a physician with Kaiser Permanente and former chair of the Exercise Is Medicine global health initiative. "Keeping people healthy has a profound impact on the bottom line. Lack of physical activity has an estimated cost of $223 billion to $381 billion per year, which is now going to treat preventable diseases."

Should You Stretch Before Exercise?

Exercise experts suggest that everyone should do some type of warm-up exercise before going into a full workout. Where experts disagree, however, is what type of stretching is necessary for certain types of workouts. Most people who grew up in the American school system are aware of the static stretch technique, whereby you stretch your body or limbs into a certain position and then hold it for a required period of time. Some studies are showing that these static stretches do not help improve performance; however, there does not appear to be any scientific consensus at this point on whether static stretching is good or bad.

Many experts believe that a more dynamic form of stretching is preferable. These kinds of stretches, like lunges or squats, blend movements together in order to mimic natural motions. Of course, some experts say that these dynamic stretches do nothing to enhance performance either. A common recommendation in recent years is to perform dynamic stretches before working out and then static ones afterward. Dr. Monique Brady, who works with athletes at the OhioSports Medicine Institute,   recommends warming up the muscles before working out. “You want to increase muscle temperature because that’s going to help them contract better and relax more quickly,” she said, adding, "Stretches both before and after exercise aim to prevent acute injury such as strains."

Despite these claims, there remains much debate about whether stretching of any kind is beneficial. The American  College of Sports Medicine reported that there was too little evidence to support either side of the argument, despite the fact that a year earlier they advised against stretching before exercise.  For now, experts and trainers are recommending that people continue using routines that are comfortable for them. The science will eventually catch up with our practices, but for now we remain in the dark when it comes to stretching.

Gym Classes Cut Despite Obesity Problems

Despite decades worth of attempted reforms dating back to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, childhood obesity continues to rise as physical education standards decline. While schools across the country cut back expenses while also trying to improve test scores, programs like P.E. are being trimmed down or cut. A recent article by the New York Times details the problems schools in the city are having with instituting physical education standards and practices.

"There does not appear to be a promotion, or support, from the Department of Education for daily physical education in many of our high schools," said Jeff Engel, a vice principal at Long Island City High School, in Queens, who is a member of the executive board of the principals' union. He said that his own school provided daily physical education, but that many did not. "We have a huge obesity epidemic in the city, yet we see many of our high schools going to non-daily physical education."

Studies have shown that as little as 20% of elementary school students receive regular physical education week by week.  Research suggests that there is a significant disconnect between the national debate taking place about childhood obesity and the actual practices of school systems throughout the country. Many physical education programs depend on exercise equipment like bikes and weights that they simply can't afford, and students are robbed of very important physical activity.

Principals across the country blame the test focused approach of administrators for the decline of physical education. While physical fitness and health have been shown to be closely related to academic performance, many districts fail to see the value of outdoor time and physical activity in the bottom lines of their budgets. Parents are urged to find out how much physical education their children are getting in order to make sure they're getting enough physical activity during the week.

Exercise and Staying Hydrated

One of the leading causes of exercise cramps and failure is dehydration. Water is essential for all body processes, and a shortage of water can lead to reduced performance, fuzzy mental processing and even pain. Staying hydrated for exercise means drinking enough liquids before, during and after activity. If you start to feel thirsty during exercise, you've already reached a point where you have a water shortage. Drinking water isn't rocket science. Listen to the signals your body sends your brain and drink to satisfaction. If you ever start to feel dizzy or abnormally fatigued, you should stop exercising immediately as you are likely dehydrated.

Water is good enough for most people on a normal exercise routine, but people who have intense or unusually long routines would benefit from fluids that help replace vital nutrients and energy. Chocolate  or coconut milk are great at replenishing the body, but regular sports drinks can do the trick as well. Some football players are known to drink water and suck on an orange in the locker room during half time. Whatever your choice of beverage is, make sure you take the time out of your routine to replace the fluids you have lost.

It is possible to drink too much water, but it is very uncommon. One famous case of water overdose was a radio show water drinking competition in which a woman drank herself to death. Drinking this much water requires you to force drink, which is very unpleasant and something nobody would do under normal conditions. Normal drinking while working out on an elliptical or treadmill produces nearly zero risk.

Exercise Improves Performance

It's no surprise the regular exercise helps you lose weight and get in better shape, but exercise can also help improve performance in almost every aspect of life. People who exercise regularly tend to feel better during the day, helping them perform better at their job and give a more positive image with everyone they interact. Individuals from every profession from pro sports to stand-up comedians use exercise machines to increase their endurance and heighten their performance capabilities when they need it most.

Machines like treadmills and ellipticals help increase cardiovascular performance. What this means in a practical sense is being able to do things like walking and standing up for long periods of time. When you train your body and heart to do long periods of intense exercise on a machine, less intense tasks start to feel easier. Imagine how easy standing up for an eight hour shift must feel to a marathon runner.

Strength exercises can be just important to everyday performance. Strength circuits can help you work core muscles that can make everyday tasks feel lighter and easier to accomplish. Strength training isn't just for body builders like Tom Platz, which is why he works so hard to get as many quality new and used strength machines out into the world as possible. Building muscle improves everyday performance and increases quality of life.

America's Five Healthiest Cities

America seems to be getting fatter and more unhealthy by the day, but some cities are making a significant effort to curb obesity trends by creating policies and spaces that encourage good health and fitness. The ACSM releases a annual report that ranks the most health conscious cities in the United States. We're going to go through the top five rankings and discuss what makes these cities so special when it comes to health and fitness.

1. Minneapolis/St. Paul - Most people probably think the warm southwest or Florida would outrank a Midwest city when it comes to health and fitness, but they'd be wrong. A drop in the number of people who smoke, new rules about smoking in public places, and improvements in the health status of residents were responsible for bringing this metro area to the top spot.

2. Washington/Arlington - Second place Washington, D.C. gets high marks for a higher than normal number of swimming pools, tennis courts, and recreation centers. Residents of the nation’s capital also do their part by eating 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables a day, made easier by the presence of numerous farmers’ markets. Capital residents are less likely to be obese and more likely to bike or walk to work or take public transportation to work, plus there are fewer people lighting up.

3. Boston/Cambridge - This New England metro area has low smoking rates, lots of farmer's markets and a high percentage of people with health insurance.

4. San Francisco/Oakland

5. Hartford

How Much Exercise Is Healthy?

Most people know that exercise is good for the mind and body, but they're not exactly sure how much is too much or too little. One of the most common recommendations we hear from personal trainers and health professionals is "for at least for 30-minutes three times a week." There are people who take this recommendation literally, but it is more of a guideline than a strict rule. How much you exercise will depend upon your fitness goals and daily routine. No matter what, any kind of exercise you do will most likely bring you health benefits and more mental clarity.

A good general guideline for people who exercise with equipment is to split your time between cardio exercises and strength training. Many people only think about cardio when they are trying to get into shape, but lifting weights is essential for developing toned muscles and increasing your metabolic rate. Free weights are great for strength training, but modern strength circuit machines are perfectly acceptable for people looking to develop their core muscles.

Most people can do as much exercise as their body can physically take. Athletes often workout for more than 5 hours a day during training in order to reach top physical condition. Obviously, most of us are not athletes, so that sort of training isn't necessary or even even possible. The most important thing to factor when thinking about over-exercising is your physical safety. If you push yourself too hard when working out there is a possibility that you can get sloppy in your routine and put yourself in a dangerous situation. If you are planning to workout a lot, you should also consult your physician. Some people have heart conditions that make exercising a risky activity.

Used Fitness Equipment to Maximize Results

Summer is one of the most important times of year for staying fit and healthy. Exercising increases the metabolism of the body and enhances energy levels, meaning more calories burned and greater focus throughout the day. Used fitness equipment can be a powerful tool in the battle of burned calories and makes access to everyday exercise solutions that much easier.

The choices involved with purchasing used fitness equipment , however, cut down to the need and goal of the person using the equipment. Fitness equipment can be broadly classified as either aerobic equipment that aims to burn off excess calories and weight, and secondly, the strength or muscular fitness equipment that is specifically designed to increase the muscles of the body.

For cardio equipment, a used treadmill can be a great replacement for walking or jogging outside and can be used by both beginners and experts. A treadmill that has a wide belt and with a cushion between the belt and the treadmill bed tends to lessen the impact on joints and is preferred by most users. Some people may opt for new treadmills that my offer features that used ones don't.

Strength equipment comes in a variety of different forms. Experienced weight lifters will most likely prefer a free weight system that helps work the corp. For more novice lifters, however, there are plenty of used strength machines on the market that help work all the muscles you need to get a lean and toned physique.

More Offices Installing Fitness Equipment

In the last few decades, study after study has shown that health problems related to obesity negatively affect productivity in the workplace. An office full of overweight and obese workers means more days off, greater healthcare costs and typically lower performance during actual work hours. Companies are responding to these problems in lots of different ways. Some offices sponsor weight loss contests between employees. Others provide monetary or vacation incentives to employees with gym memberships. Some companies just ignore the problem altogether. One of the best solutions, however, has come to companies who've decided to install fitness equipment in the office for workers to use whenever they want.

Unfortunately, many companies view the purchase of gym equipment for the office as being an extraneous and unnecessary expense. Fitness equipment has a reputation  for being very expensive, but the truth is that most fitness machines can be purchased at very affordable rates in bulk. Used equipment can be just as good as new and is usually discounted significantly. Companies are taking advantage of this by installing things like exercise bikes and ellipticals in various office locations.

The presence of new or used exercise machines in the office can be good for both physical and mental well being. Office workers often get stressed throughout the day. Spending a few minutes on a treadmill or exercise bike can clear their minds and get them focused on the next task. Some workers even like to have treadmills placed directly at their workstation, so they can walk throughout their shift at their terminal.

Obesity Linked to Poor Math Skills in Children

We at Fit4Sale obviously believe in the importance of fitness, and that goes for all ages. Fitness not only impacts a person's physical well being, but it can affect mental capabilities as well. This can have particularly negative consequences for children still in school, which is why we were concerned with a recent research study from the University of Missouri.

A University of Missouri researcher reported that she found a link between childhood obesity and poor math skills. Sara Gable, an associate professor in the university's Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, followed more than 6,250 children from kindergarten through fifth grade. She found that children of both sexes who were considered obese in kindergarten performed poorly on math tests starting in first grade compared to their peers. Fewer gaps were seen in children who became obese at an older age. She concluded that poor math performance was partly connected to feelings of sadness, loneliness and other shortcoming in social skills. Sara Gable collaborated with researchers from the University of Vermont and the University of California, Los Angeles, and the study was published in the journal Child Development.

Most obese children have obese parents. The eating and exercise habits of parents are a strong influence on the behavior of young children from a very early age. By stetting up a home gym with with new or used fitness equipment, parents can help instill positive fitness habits that can keep them smart and healthy for the rest of their lives. It doesn't always matter what particular machine a family has in their home. Ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowing machines and treadmills all encourage healthy physical activity.

A Few Myths about Perfect Abs

One of the most desirable features of most exercise nuts is the flat toned stomach. People dream of the six-pack, but many people are unable to get there. Most people don't make it because they believe in certain myths about ab workouts that simply aren't true. Below we will tackle some myths about abdominal muscle workouts that will help eliminate misinformation.

1.Doing Ab Exercises Gets Rid of Abdominal Fat. Unfortunately, this doesn't work at all, for the abs, or anywhere else for that matter. People think that if they work the ab muscles with abdominal machines that will burn the fat. These exercises will increase endurance and the size of your muscles, but not burn your belly fat. The only way to burn the body fat is cardio work-outs and reducing your caloric intake.

2.Ab Muscles are Different From Other Muscles in the Body. People often work their abs differently from other muscles in their body. Why? Because of misinformation. The correct way to do it is weight training in the abdominal area with abdominal strength machines 2-3 times a week then rest in between. Then use exercises to target different areas of the abs.

3.High Repetitions Lead to Ab Strength. People always peform multiple, multiple, and even more multiple reps to get that six-pack. Just like other muscles in your body your abs need rest, and a lot of people don't realize this. People think they aren't working their abs hard enough, mainly because of improper form.

Fit4Sale offers a wide variety of abdominal machines to help you get that flat stomach. But remember, you need more than regular strength workouts to get that six-pack. You need to eat a proper diet and do some cardio as well.

Ways to Fight the Fat

Many of us fall into the same mistakes when it comes to trying to be healthy. Here are five typical pitfalls people face when trying to lose weight and stay healthy, and some simple solutions to solve them. Staying fit and healthy is about more than just using the right exercise equipment.

1. Losing Control With Your Buddies. To solve this problem, offer healthy choices if you are having friends over at your place. If you are out, try and stay on the healthy side, as many restaurants offer low calorie and low fat options on the menu. Many states even mandate that restaurants show the nutrition facts of their items. When you have almost had too much to eat, grab a piece of chewing gum which will allow your stomach to tell your body you are full.

2. Late-Night Snacking. Late-night food cravings and urges are common for all of us. After a certain time at night, our bodies drop in blood sugar levels, which means it will begin to crave sugar. To help ease your overloading, always eat at the kitchen table and buy individual snack packs of your favorite items. The harder it is to get at the food the less likely you will be to consume it.

3. Junk Food at the Office. The key to this dilemma is to bring your own food. If you find yourself unable to resist the treats at the office, go on short walks during your breaks and lunch period.

4. Family Dinners. Break away from tradtition and bring a unique dish that is both healthy and appealing. Pile your plate with fruits and veggies and only take small amounts of the things you really love!

5. Binging After a Workout. Eat something before your workout! A combo of protein and carbs beforehand will prevent you blood sugar from dipping during a workout, which will prevent you from consuming more than your burned.

When to Buy a Compact Treadmill

Have you been thinking about purchasing a treadmill, but are worried you do not have enough space to accommodate one? You may want to consider a compact treadmill. Technology has come a long way, so it is possible to find a high quality treadmill that is compact enough to fit in any space. It may seem unfathomable that a treadmill can be folded up and stored under your bed or in a closet, but they do exist. If you are shopping for a compact treadmill there are a few things you should consider first.

First, you should look for a compact treadmill that has an intuitive console, which will provide you with various workout programs and options. Just because you are shopping for a smaller unit does not mean you should sacrifice valuable features. Programs provide you with a more interesting workout and will prevent you from becoming easily bored. Programs can also allow you to perform unique routines like High Intensity Interval Training.

Second, since compact treadmills are smaller, many do not have the same cushioning as their larger counterparts. If you are planning on running on the machine, you may have to spend a little extra for increased cushioning. However, if you are just planning on walking, then you can get away with less cushioning. Either way, you should always wear running shoes to reduce the impact on your joints and ligaments.

Last, you should stick with a reputable fitness brand name. Brands that have been in business for multiple years have more experience, and work hard to uphold their reputations. Before you buy, you should research the brand name to see how their reputation stands within their industry. There are plenty of places to search for product reviews. Your best option may be to speak with industry professionals. Fit4Sale employs the famous bodybuilder Tom Platz to help customers find the exercise machine that is just right for them.

More Fitness Equipment Specials

 This week we are putting two new items on special.

Life Fitness 9500HR (Belt)

Was $1,349

Now $599

(Limited Supplies)

Cleaned and Serviced

Lifecycle exercise bikes are the #1 preferred exercise bike in the world. The 9500U exercise bike is their Top-of-the-Line, Commercial exercise bike. Lifecycle exercise bikes have a proven track record distinguishing their exercise bikes from all other bikes in the industry. The 9500U exercise bike offers great reliability, longevity and superb ease of use. The smooth belt drive system is quiet, durable, and virtually maintenance-free. The 9500U exercise bike also offers a POLAR hands-free heart rate monitor and also Lifepulse Contact Heart Rate Training. Ergonomically correct seats with supporting back rest ensure comfort. These exercise bikes can handle the daily rigors of the most demanding facilities and are exceptionally well suited for home use too.

 CorEvolution

Was $399

Now $99

New in Box

 The Corevolution exercise weight machine works every muscle in your core, abs, back, and obliques while also working your legs and strengthening your arms and shoulders. There are no mechanical parts to wear out. Standard barbell weights can be added for an even tougher workout. Invented by a professional weight lifter to strengthen his muscles and eliminate back pain caused by his weight lifting. Used in physical therapy departments around the world. Our own Tom Platz highly recommends machines that help workout your core.

Are Consumer Reviews Reliable?

It makes good sense to check out fitness equipment ratings posted by consumers who have already experienced the product you are interested in purchasing. Consumers can offer valuable insights about effectiveness, service, and other product qualities you may not have even considered.

Fitness equipment ratings by users, however, may swing excessively high or low for reasons unrelated to the product itself. It helps to understand the human factors that could influence the reliability of consumer reviews and to know how to extract useful information before you buy.

The Under-raters

Consumers may rate a fitness product excessively low due to:

-Anger: Users who are truly dissatisfied seek to warn others about the perils of purchasing a fitness product. Their objectivity, perhaps tainted by anger, may cause them to post excessively harsh reviews as they air frustrations.

-Limited Experience: A new, inexperienced user may underrate a quality fitness product because they have not have exercised long enough to realize a training effect.

-The Promise of Fast Fitness: Users may be disappointed if they do not see immediate results because they bought into "fast fitness" marketing claims. Even the best exercise products will not produce rapid body transformations that exceed normal human capabilities for adapting to exercise.

The Over-raters
]
Customers may rate fitness equipment too high due to:

Trick Advertising: You can usually spot a fake review when it's overly glowing and provides very little real information. Many companies hire fake reviewers to boost the ratings on their products.

Buyer Justification: Some people pay way too much for fitness equipment. In order to justify their purchase, some buyers will over sell the qualities of the piece they bought in order to rationalize their purchase. These reviews are hard to spot.

A genuine good review will come across naturally and won't use excessive praise. The reviewer will seem passionate about the product and will talk about how it affected them in their everyday life.

New Sale on Fitness Equipment for June

Take a look at our new specials for June!

You can save hundreds of dollar on climbers, cross-trainers and treadmills. Now is the perfect time to complete your home gym and get the workout your body deserves in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are looking to concentrate on strength training or cardio, we have the fitness equipment on sale this month to help you reach your goals.

The Evolution of Fitness Equipment According to Tom Platz

If you've ever paid attention to the professional world of bodybuilding there's no doubt you've heard the name Tom Platz. Tom gained an interest in the sport from a young age, and by the end of high school had numerous accomplishments at a competitive level. During the 1980's he was a household name when it came to bodybuilding, frequently showing up on the cover of magazines and during high level competitions. Tom isn't a professional bodybuilder anymore, but he's using his knowledge, experience and connections to the sport to help Fit4Sale with its top of the line new and used fitness equipment.

One of the things Tom Platz likes to mention when he talks about fitness equipment is about how much it has evolved over the years. When he first moved to California in the late 1970's to make it big, Gold's Gym at Venice Beach was the mecca of bodybuilding. Back then there weren't any businesses manufacturing fitness equipment. Everything was custom made and designed to help the lifters at the gym achieve maximum results. Instead of ellipticals and stair climbers there were tons of free weights, squat racks, benches and barbells. As the popularity of bodybuilding rose, however, industry began to see the potential of the fitness market and started to manufacture fitness equipment.

According to Tom, a lot of advancements were made during the following decades, both in cardio and strength equipment. New or used treadmills are now in every gym and provide an excellent way to get a great cardio workout indoors. Some people say ellipticals are even better, as they help mimic a running motion with way less impact. The biggest advancements have probably been made in strength machines. It took a long time to convince the public, especially women, of the importance of strength training, but now there are strength circuits, strength machines and free weights in nearly every gym.

The last few years has seen a drastic improvement in the quality of strength training equipment. Tom says that most older strength machines don't account for the importance of strengthening the core. When lifting with free weights, your body needs to keep the weight you're lifting in balance. This works muscles in your core that aren't normally accessible with older strength machines, as the weights are kept in balance by the machine itself. Thankfully, newer strength machines have accounted for this factor. Exercise experts like Tom know that strengthening the core isn't just important for bodybuilders. It's essential for everyone looking to stay fit and healthy.

Fitness Brands and Value

We all know how important regular exercise is for maintaining our health and ideal body weight, but trying to fit regular exercise into our busy schedules can be difficult. Let's face it, not everyone enjoys going to the gym, especially if they are embarrassed about their bodies and feel uncomfortable exercising or getting changed in front of other people. The good news is - you don't have to work out at a gym. For those of us less inclined to go into public to get a good workout, why not create your very own home gym with reputable fitness brands.

Building your own home gym doesn't need to be a costly endeavor, it just needs to be customized for your own personal needs. If you're looking to shed a few extra pounds, consider cardio equipment like treadmills and exercise bikes. If you want to get that toned / ripped look, you may want to invest in weight lifting equipment like dumbbells or resistance trainers like the Bowflex system. Not all fitness equipment is made the same, so it's important to know the differences between some of the top fitness brands in order to get the equipment you need.

Let's take a look at some of the top fitness brands / manufacturers offered at Fit4Sale:

- Precor - specializes in ellipticals and treadmills, but also offers exercise bikes and strength circuits
- Star Trac - wide range of products including steppers/climbers, exercise bikes, treadmills and strength machines
- Life Fitness - best known for their lifecycle exercise bikes
- Cybex - best known for their cardiovascular and strength training equipment
- Nautilus - well known for their Stairmasters, they also offer tread climber treadmills and cross trainers

Quality Counts When It Comes to Fitness Equipment

Unfortunately, a lot of fitness equipment companies are in the business to make a quick buck at all costs. They don't care customer service, longevity or whether the product they are selling is of quality. They only care about a quick turnaround: getting the buyer to make a purchase and then pushing them out the door. This can have disastrous results for a home or gym owner who is looking for re-manufactured fitness equipment. While many prospective buyers have been given the impression that pre-owned gym equipment is inferior to new equipment, this isn't the reality in every fitness store.

Tom Platz, a retired bodybuilder who is now part of the Fit4Sale development team, knows how important it is for customers to get only the highest quality refurbished fitness equipment possible. He and the rest of the Fit4Sale team know how important it is to have their name attached only to equipment that meets high standards and reliability. That's why the pre-owned ellipticals and strength machines sold through Fit4Sale don't just have a new coat of paint slapped on them before they get shipped out. Each piece of used equipment gets the royal treatment to make sure that every single component is functional and built to last. When you're buying a used piece of fitness equipment you need to know that you're buying a product that has been repaired professionally.

Selecting the Right Home Gym Equipment

While almost everyone today has been educated on the benefits of getting regular exercise, many people don't have the time or money to go to the gym. Most doctors suggest that a person should exercise three to five times a week for about a half an hour to remain happy and healthy. Home gym equipment may be a way for those who are busy or short on funds to get in the exercise they need . But before buying any home gym equipment you must be well-informed, otherwise you may not be able to judge the best quality equipment for you. There are a number of home exercise machines available on the market like free weights, weight training machines, home gyms etc.

A piece of home gym equipment should have:

1. An adjustable bench for sitting or reclining
2. Stacked metal weights with pin selection for load
3. Pull down bars mainly for the lat pull down back exercise
4. Press bars for pushing and pulling, for shoulders, arms and back
5. Leg extension system for quadriceps muscles of the thigh
6. Leg curl system for exercising the hamstrings at back of the thigh
7. Seated cable row system for back and arms exercise.

Our philosophy at Fit4Sale is to put our customers first, which means we pay close attention to our customers needs. Fit4sale takes pride in providing personalized customer service for meeting your budget, from club design and placement of fitness equipment to a personal home gym setup. We have been consulting fitness equipment for over 14 years in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, South America and just about everywhere else people want to get in shape. We even have professional fitness experts like former bodybuilder Tom Platz to help ensure that we only sell quality refurbished fitness equipment and make quality connections with our customers.

How Used Fitness Equipment Can Maximize Your Results

It's natural for people to wish to stay fit and look better. Exercising increases the metabolism of the body and enhances energy levels throughout the day. Used Fitness equipment assists in achieving fitness goals and there are a lot of different types of fitness equipment on the market. Most people have a favorite piece of equipment that they feel comfortable with that they think they can use for a long period of time.

If you're not that familiar with the different types of fitness equipment available, take a look at our quick list of exercise machines that you may want to purchase for your home.

Ellipticals or Cross Trainers - These machines provide a low impact motion that mimics natural running. Whether you are purchasing a new or used elliptical, you should find a machine that has the features and stride level that fits with your comfort. Ellipticals are one of the fastest growing types of machine in the market.

Treadmills - Pretty much everyone knows what a treadmill is. These machines come with a variety of features and can be used for everything from slow walking to full out speed running. Quality construction is very important for a treadmill as use produces a lot of impact.

Strength Machines - These pieces of fitness equipment are for people looking to gain a little bit of muscle mass as well as losing body fat. Muscle mass increases your metabolism and adds to general fitness, so it's a great way to help your weight loss.

Home Treadmills and Convenience

Gone are the days that people have to regularly visit the gym to get a serious workout. Since exercise machines have become relatively cheaper and accessible for public sale, treadmills have been one of the most popular options. A few minutes on the treadmill saves one from the hassle and time of going to the gym. Having a home treadmill can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a gym membership, fitness trainer fees, and other health monitoring gadgets.

Unlike going to the gym where one has to pay a personal trainer, the latest treadmill models are equipped with built-in workout trainer programs that enable the user to choose which workout program works best for them. One may want to start slow and then gradually increase intensity and speed over time. There are also workout guides for those who want to lose weight or for those who just want to keep in shape. In addition, instead of buying separate gadgets that keep track of several vital statistics such as heart rate and burned calories, modern treadmills do this by themselves. These gadgets, when bought separately already cost a lot. The makers of home treadmills make it a point for the user to conveniently monitor how the unit and their chosen program have helped them reached their goals.

Among these advantages of having home treadmills, it ultimately gives one the workout they need and achieve their desired results at the convenience and comfort of their own home. One can listen to music, read a book, watch TV, and even play Wii while doing their routine treadmill walk. Some treadmills are made to be lightweight and fold-able, unlike those in the gym, to be easily carried and to minimize storage space. Used treadmills can be much cheaper than new ones and can last just as long.

Rubber Resistance Bands Aren't Just for the Office

Rubber is a simple but amazing material. It's used all across the world for huge industrial applications, transportation, office supplies and now even physical fitness. The concept of using rubber as a workout device is simple. Rubber has a natural inert state, but when it is stretched creates a great amount of resistance and potential energy. Working against this energy is similar to lifting a weight against gravity; it helps build muscles and get you into better shape.

Rubber resistance fitness accessories have a few different applications. You can go bare bones and get a pack of rubber resistance bands that are really nothing more than a pack of giant rubber bands. You can be creative and use these for arm workout, leg exercises and a variety of other strength building motions. Other more high tech products like the Braided Xertube provide several different levels of resistance and have handles for greater comfort and flexibility. They also claim to use higher quality materials that will make the bands last much longer than usual.

Using Music for Workout Motivation

Whether you work out on an elliptical, treadmill or rowing machine, things can get boring during the course of your 30 minute plus exercise routine. When things get boring we tend to quit, and when we quit we start to fail the fitness goals we've worked so hard to try and accomplish. The only thing more frustrating than toughing out a boring workout is knowing how good it would have felt if we actually finished it. There is really no need for a workout to be boring or frustrating, so we should use as many tools as possible to help us get through it.

Most corporate gyms now have televisions mounted above the cardio workout area so that patrons can watch television or movies while they workout in order to stem the boredom. This is great if you have a gym membership, but if you've decided to purchase a new or used exercise machine for your home, mounting a TV in the right position may not be a viable option. Thankfully, portable devices have become so cheap that listening to music or even watching a television show on small portable electronics is easy and affordable.

Choosing the right kind of music for a workout can be essential to staying motivated. Make a playlist of artists and songs that make you feel good and full of energy. Sad or atmospheric music works for some, but not everyone. Some people even like to fill their playlist with comedy or podcasts, even audio books. What you pick doesn't really matter as long as it keeps your legs pumping on the exercise bike.

Using Monitoring Equipment to Track Your Fitness

Fitness is not necessarily just a means to an end; it can be a goal in itself. Exercise can be about reaching the furthest physical limits that your body can take. In order to track just how far you've gone, some kind of monitoring equipment needs to be used. For people looking to reach the limits in running, walking or jogging a pedometer can accurately measure the distance traveled during each workout session. Pedometers are light weight and can be worn on the person during exercise. Many pedometers offer the option of long term tracking by being able to import information into a computer where spreadsheets and graphs can be analyzed for highly detailed tracking purposes.

People looking to track their weight loss and fat loss goals have a variety of different options to track their progress. Obviously, people can use a scale to track their weight, but keeping tabs on fat loss is a bit more tricky. There are certain scales out there that attempt to guess fat percentage by doing calculations on weight and height, but truly accurate calculations can only be performed by a water tank tests or skinfold calipers. Body fat calipers can digitally measure your fat percentage and then import the information into a computer, allowing you to keep very detailed and useful information for your weight loss journey. Instructions for using calipers should be read very carefully in order to get an accurate reading.

The Advantages of a Strength Circuit

Exercising is an important part of losing belly fat but how you exercise can make a big difference in your results. Circuit training is a form of strength training that emphasizes continuous movement from exercise to exercise with minimal break in between. Strength circuits can be a big initial investment, but, if you don’t use circuit training you’ll find that losing stomach fat is a difficult battle. Research has shown that circuit training is more effective at burning calories than traditional workouts. Circuit training keeps your heart rate constantly elevated, which is very similar to interval training. This type of training burns more calories than other types of traditional exercise.

So what’s an example of strength circuit training? You do one exercise for 60 seconds and then you move to another with a 10 second rest in between for a total of 10 moves. Once all 10 moves are done you take a 60 second break and that’s the end of one circuit. Then you repeat all 10 moves again and  you’re done. If you feel the need to extend your workout then add an additional circuit. You should purchase a strength circuit machine that has all of the lifts you need to use during a short workout. A good strength circuit should help you work out all muscle groups.

The reason that strength training works for losing weight and belly fat is that ncreasing your muscles means you burn more calories. Using a strength circuit or any other type of strength building machine helps you build and maintain muscle and therefore burn more calories throughout the day. A lot of people seem to think that cardio exercise is all you need to lose the fat, but they ignore the highly effective method of building muscle mass. We know that strength circuits can be rather expensive, so we offer a variety of more affordable used strength circuits to help you get in shape.

Some Information about Stairmills and Steppers

Steppers and climbers are well known to be one of the most difficult exercise machines in the gym. Just like climbing stairs, exercising on a stairmill primarily uses the muscles in the leg and is a continuous upward motion against gravity. Many people who exercise have concerns about steppers, believing that they limit the amount of muscles used, leading to bulging muscles in the legs but little other benefit. It is true the steppers and stairmills mainly work the muscles in the leg, but these muscles are the largest and most used in the body; working them out provides huge benefits.

Steppers and climbers have a double pronged effect. The primary use of a stepper is for cardiovascular exercise. Continuously climbing up an endless staircase drastically increases blood flow because the leg muscles need a constant and rich source of oxygen from the heart and lungs. At the same time, these muscles tear and then rebuild themselves to create more muscle fibers, increasing muscle mass. Using a stepper or climber is unlikely to build as much leg muscle as doing strength building exercises like squats, so there is no real need to worry about getting giant bulging legs like a body builder.

What Is Body Weight Training?

It seems like gyms full of cardio machines and strength equipment are more popular than ever, but there are lots of people who absolutely hate going to the gym. Body weight training may be a great solution for people who want to get in shape but don't have the money to buy expensive machines or don't want to go to the gym on a consistent basis. Body weight training is simple. It's the process of getting exercise with the help of little more than gravity and your own body. The force of the earth is a constant presence on the human body, and it can be used in a way to create resistances that have very similar properties to machines and weights.

There are many different forms of body weight training, both cardio and strength building. If you've ever watched an aerobics video or seen an aerobics class in the gym you are probably familiar with steps. Steps  are merely a small elevated surface that allows individuals certain aerobic actions during their workout. Steps are very popular both because of their simplicity and their affordable costs. One of the oldest pieces of body weight training equipment is the jump rope or speed rope. Used by both elementary school children and professional boxers alike, jump ropes provide a high intensity convenient workout for a very affordable price.

Buying the Top Brands of Fitness Equipment

We all seem to have our favorite brands when it comes to purchasing things at the store. We only like to buy certain cereals, certain ice cream or even certain brands of plastic bags. The same phenomenon often occurs in the fitness world as well. Certain manufacturers of fitness equipment just speak quality, and when it comes to a large purchase like a treadmill or pre-owned elliptical, a recognizable brand brings a sense of reassurance to the purchase. Whether it be a rowing machine or full strength machine, there is usually a top name brand at the head of the pack.

When it comes to new and used ellipticals and cross trainers, Precor is a name that stands out.  Fit4Sale has over 20 used or new elliptical trainers from Precor that can help fit the fitness goals of everyone. Precors trainers range from efficient and affordable to full featured trainers that are good for novice users and elite athletes alike.

One of the biggest names in strength machines is Powertec. They sell strength equipment that ranges from compact leg sleds to to a full power rack that allows for full motion squats and many other strength building exercises. Explore our collection of strength equipment to find out which machine is right for you and your muscle building goals. We have over a dozen Powertec strength machines to choose from.

It's Never Too Late to Get in Shape

It is never too late to get into shape! No matter what circumstances you find yourself in and at what age, you always have the ability to pump up those muscles and work that heartbeat. Of course, the older you are the more important it becomes to ask your medical professional what kind of exercises you can do to get yourself into shape.Many of the common complaints associated with the aging process: joint stiffness, weight gain, fatigue and loss of bone mass, among others - can be prevented by adopting a regular plan of physical fitness. Keeping your muscles conditioned and your heart strong and efficient can offset these minor complaints and may help reduce your risk of more serious conditions.

As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and bone mass, which lead to stiffness all over the body. To make muscles and bones grow, you need to work them against a slowly increasing resistance. Any type of weightlifting with free weights or strength machines, and even push-ups are considered muscle building exercises. Also, as we get older the muscle around the heart deteriorates and fat accumulates. To prevent this, aerobic exercises are needed to keep your heart working to keep it in shape. Combating aerobic exercise is easy, all you have to do is walk. Walking has been proven to be one of the best aerobic exercises with the least amount of strain on your body. If you can't walk outside, buying a used treadmill can get you the exercise you need in the comfort of you own home.