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There are many options for exercise equipment to
sculpt your body for life. These can range from next to nothing in their
simplicity to the ridiculously complex and expensive, but one thing's
for sure...
You're gonna need at least
SOME
workout gear!
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Maybe it's just a pair of old sneakers, ragged
sweats, a towel and a smile but to attain your optimum level of fitness
and health safely, you will need a few items.
Of course, on the other hand, good exercise
equipment
provides a host of benefits including convenience, practicality,
efficiency, the afore mentioned safety, and much more. There is something to be said for
a good weight lifting belt during heavy squats, or a flexible, gel cold
pack for nursing tender areas or a decent pair of running shoes on a
hard treadmill. And how about those healthy hobbies like bike riding,
skiing, or rock climbing to mention only a few extra cardio platforms?
I only mess
with the best. I've been burnt
by smaller, cheaper stores that
can't seem to deliver like the big
boys. In fact, one went out of
business between the time they cash
my order and shipping the
product...which of course they
didn't do. Ouch.
My absolute preferred link?
Bodytrends.com
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Menu of exercise equipment categories:
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Home Gym
There are many reasons why folks invest in building their own
home gym.
In the long run, it can be far more economical to
own your exercise equipment that to pay monthly for a health club membership
to use
theirs. Even more expensive equipment (like a Bowflex) can quickly pay for
itself especially if more than one member of your household works out there!
It can also be very convenient. I enjoy waking up in
the morning, having a glass of water and some BetaLean...and jumping on my
treadmill for some good before breakfast cardio. No driving, no waiting for a
treadmill machine and no noisy distractions. And, it's harder to skip a workout
when your gym is right there.
A small home gym can also provide some interesting
training variation even if you belong to a health club and do the
majority of your bench, squat, weight lifting and cardio work there. For
example:
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Try some abdominal exercises on an exercise ball...while
you are watching TV!
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Jumping rope in the garage...or better yet...a
speed bag too!
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Carrying a couple of kettle balls from downstairs to
upstairs...then back and forth a few times...
So...here are my top picks for useful home gym exercise
equipment:
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| Weider Crossbow Home Gym
The Weider Crossbow comes in several models. The highest-end model is
the Platinum Crossbow and is reviewed
HERE.
Alternative models still provide a good home gym
level of resistance training with a smooth, even feeling of weight.
However, don't expect to end up looking like the folks that advertise
them on TV by using the Crossbow alone.
The Weider Crossbow (or the Bowflex or any other band
resistance machine) is very useful as a part of a versatile home gym.
When used for what they essentially are...a cable exercise piece of
equipment...and combined with an intense and heavy free weight, like
dumbells, regimen the results can be impressive.
Epinion.com Reviews
Weider Crossbow on eBay
Read more » |
Weider Crossbow at Oshman's |
| Bowflex
Bowflex the industry juggernaut producing millions of
machines a year. You have undoubtedly seen numerous infomercials about
their exercise machines, they've been running for years. In fact, you
probably know several people that have a Bowflex machine. Personally,
I'm not a huge fan of Bowflex's products but many people are so they are
worth looking at if you're in the market.
What sets each model is usually the number of exercises that can be
performed, determined by equipment additions, and the amount of maximum
resistance available. Other than that they are basically the same with
only minor differences in quality and comfort.
Bowflex makes some good products. They aren't nearly
as good as the hype would suggest. I wouldn't recommend it for those
strapped for cash because you can do better with other pieces of
equipment. It is great though, so for those with fat wallets - go for
it! Like all the other Bowflex models the rowing function is lame so be
sure to pick up a pair of shoes so you can get aerobics done that way.
Bowflex is all right, but Crossbow is better. Again, don't forget to
include free weights in your workouts for muscle growth!
Bowflex on eBay
Bowflex at Oshman's
 Read More » |
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Treadmills
These are cool! The benefits of a health club
with the comfort and convenience of exercising at home with the
ProForm Crosswalk Advanced CR Treadmill. It uses iFIT
technology through
iFit.com to send
interactive workouts directly to your treadmill while controlling the
speed and incline of the ProForm. These workouts include
motivational music (Rock, Dance, World or Country) and the
encouraging voice of a personal trainer. You can even do a "scenic
workout"...how about a 30-minute Interval Workout takes you to
California’s Yosemite National Park. Climb the Mist Trail beyond Nevada
Falls to the summit of the spectacular Half Dome.
Read more » |
HealthRider Treadmill with iFIT Technology, One Touch Speed
FREE Shipping! |
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A little "extra" cardio workout
with the
ProForm Crosswalk Advanced CR Treadmill. It also uses iFIT
technology through
iFit.com to send interactive workouts directly to your treadmill
while controlling the speed and incline of the ProForm. And with the
unique upper body workout arms, you can improve total-body conditioning
by combining upper-body exercise with the traditional cardio workout.
Check out the product video!
Takes awhile to load but interesting...
Read more »
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ProForm CrossWalk Advanced CR Treadmill with iFIT
FREE Shipping! |
Dick's Sporting Goods promises HUGE
savings and white glove delivery. Well, they do have pretty good deals
and free shipping on some big items that have saved me some money in the
past.
Read more » |
 
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| Exercise Bikes
Another piece of cardio equipment that uses the
amazing iFIT technology
is ProForm's GL35 Upright Bike. Controlling the resistance of the
bike so you don't have to worry about a thing with interactive workouts
that can be sent to the bike from iFIT.com, or try iFIT CD and Scenic
Video workouts. These workouts include motivational music and the
encouraging voice of a personal trainer.
Read more » |
ProForm GL35 Upright Bike
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| Abdominal Exercise
Medicine Balls
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Gym Bag
If you workout regularly at a local health club, you will
want a Gym Bag or duffel to cart your exercise gear around in. What do you need
to have handy when you're hitting the iron (either at the club or at
home)?
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| Duffel
This versatile Everlast duffle bag is ideal for anything from
running to the gym to flying across the country. This perfectly sized
duffle has an upright luggage design that makes it ideal as a carry-on
bag or a small suitcase, too.
I love almost anything from Everlast and this bag
is no exception.
The Half Dome duffel bag from Ogio® is
constructed from a durable fabrication and boasts a reinforced base and
triple-needle stitch trim for superior strength and abrasion resistance.
This bag incorporates an MP3 player pocket with headphone exit port, and
the standard webbing shoulder strap offers comfortable carrying.
Read more »
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Everlast Upright Rolling Duffle Bag
Ogio 2004 Half Dome Duffel
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Heart Rate Monitors
Click HERE for Heart Rate Monitors from Body Trends!
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Closet
I'm not a slave to fashion by any means and I do enjoy
chuckling at some of the colorful characters to be found at any health club or
gym who seem to be there more to be seen than to workout.
Your closet deserves consideration and a bit of reserved real
estate for things that will help ease the pain and suffering of the Training for
Life regimen...comfortable exercise apparel.
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| Shoes Good shoes are
probably the most required item for working out. Your safety depends
upon them to a large degree so I tend to not skimp too much on them, at
least if I am going to be running in them.
I own shoes from Otomix, New Balance and
Adidas...oh...and a cool pair of Vans. Fit is important so check out
these sizing tools from
RoadRunner
Sports:
Men's Shoe Sizing Tool
Women's Shoe Sizing Tool
You'll need Acrobat Reader to view these PDF files. If you can't view
the files, you can download a free version of
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®.
Armed with your correct shoe size, go forth and find
the best pair for your needs using all the cool resources of any of
these excellent and informative merchants:
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| Workout Apparel Everlast
About Everlast...
Everlast was established in 1910 in the Bronx, New York. When founder
Jacob Golomb (then only seventeen) started the company it was as a
swimwear manufacturer. He wanted to create swimsuits that would last
longer, and so named his company "Everlast". By 1917, the small retail
store expanded to include a full line of sports equipment. Golomb
designed boxing gear for a young fighter named Jack Dempsey who later
won the world's heavyweight championship in 1919. Today, the name
Everlast is still synonymous with boxing. However, their line of quality
sports gear also includes gym equipment, bags, and men and women's
apparel.
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Russell Athletic
You just can't beat Russell Athletic for comfortable cotton T-shirts.
I also own several pairs of Russell sweats. Great selection and quality.
Read more » |
Customizable Workout T-shirt
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| Otomix - I'm hoping that an Otomix link goes here. I love their
gear. |
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Medicine Cabinet
Just about everyone has had a sprained ankle or pulled a
muscle at one time or another. When you are putting your body through above
average torture, you can rest assured that somewhere down the line you will
overdo a set of presses or twist yourself up running or some such thing.
To help you narrow down your malady (but in no way
intended to replace a doctors advice!!!) you can check out the sports injury
index at
SportsInjuryClinic.net
You could also call this section "Injury Management"... |
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| Hot & Cold Packs
Ice therapy for soft tissue injury (R.I.C.E.)
This should be applied for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury,
although ice can also be beneficial in the later stages of treatment.
| R is for Rest |
This slows down any bleeding and reduces the
risk of further damage. |
| I is for Ice |
This can ease the pain, reduce swelling, reduce
bleeding (initially) and encourage blood flow (later). |
| C is for Compression |
This reduces bleeding and reduces swelling. |
| E is for Elevation |
Uses gravity to reduce bleeding and reduces
swelling by allowing fluids to flow away from the site of
injury. |
How can you apply ice?
Ice can be applied in a number of ways:
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It should never be applied directly to the skin
but in a wet tea towel to prevent ice burns.
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Apply the ice for about 15 minutes every 2 hours.
This will vary depending on the size of the area and depth of the
tissue. This can be reduced gradually over the next 24 hours.
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If you have a bad circulation condition in a
specific area then you should not apply ice to that area, or if you
have a cold allergy.
In the first 24 hours you should not:
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Apply heat
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Apply a heat rub
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Have a deep massage.
Read more »
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Medi-Temp Gel Packs |
| Bandages and Braces
Sometimes I suffer from a bit of Lateral Epicondylitis...or tennis
elbow...The Bauerfeind EPIPOINT elbow strap is a dynamic elbow strap for
tennis elbow and other overuse conditions. It's designed to provide
pressure/relief over muscles and tendons on the outside of the forearm
and it sure does!
You just can't beat the Bauerfeind line for quality sports
injury management products. They cost more but are totally worth it!
I use nothing else...
Read more »
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Bauerfeind EpiPoint Elbow Strap
All Bauerfeind Braces
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| Massage Therapy Got tense muscles in your neck,
shoulders or back? Customize your massage needs with the Freedom
Massager with Heat by HoMedics. This dynamic and versatile massager not
only gives you a high intensity percussion massage of up to 3,100
strokes per minute with dual percussion heads, it also has ergonomic,
adjustable handles to easily reach all areas of your back, neck and
more. And if you prefer soothing heat with your massage, this massager
has that too!
Read more » |
 
Tony Little Freedom Massager with Heat by HoMedics
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The patent-pending, 2 speed
cordless body massager lets you relax while the FleXassage delivers a
vibrating massage to any part of your body, including those
hard-to-reach spots where other rigid massagers are ineffective. Just
wrap it around almost any part of your body and it goes right to work.
Check out the video.
Read more » |
 
Joy Mangano FleXassage 2 Speed Flexible Massager
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| Cholesterol Testing
One of my reasons for following the Body for LIFE program? A call from
my doctor with lipid panel blood test results that showed what he
characterized as "alarmingly high" cholesterol levels!
Monitoring these cholesterol
levels was pretty much a guessing game or a trip to the blood lab until
now. In the convenience and privacy of my own home, I can find out in
only 3 minutes my cholesterol results from a single drop of blood. The
Lifestream Plus Cholesterol Monitor makes it easy to get an accurate
total cholesterol reading.
It is a comprehensive tool to
help you monitor your cholesterol as part of your wellness program. And
use of the Lifestream Plus is simple (it requires no fasting), so you
can take the test any time of day - even before or after meals.
Read more » |
Lifestream
Plus Cholesterol Monitor
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| Oh...one more thing.... Treat yourself to a really decent bathroom
scale! Step upon it's precision and colorful platform as a pedestal of
victory and savor the spoils of war...just don't use it everyday.
About once a week is better.
The
Seca 760 Big Dial Red scale features a matching, grooved rubber
platform mat. The scale boasts a rugged metal construction, easy-to-read
numbers, and it offers great accuracy. Cadillac quality...
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Kitchen
The kitchen sees a few unique needs as far as equipment goes.
Sometimes not so much referring to "equipment" per se as to "appliances" or
"utensils"....yes, even gadgets. In fact, nowhere in all the different
categories of exercise equipment does the efficiency of "gadgets" shine more
than in a modern, well stocked kitchen and pantry.
The more you get done in the kitchen, the more proper
eating that is, the better and more reliably your gains (and even keeping
those gains) will occur. Just see how long you stick with any program if
you are hungry or tired all the time, or if you become frustrated with the
frequency requirements or preparation times of putting quality fuel into
your growing, building, body for life.
Saving time and convience are what it's all
about in the kitchen when putting together nutritious meals from healthy
recipes. I use these items to great advantage: |
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| Shake Drink Cups |
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| Hamilton Beach DrinkMaster |
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| Water Coolers |
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Home Page
Be more successful with your Body for Life Challenge, check out our free Tips
and Tricks, or just browse the collection of fitness and body building
information here at Building Body for Life.com
Body Building
Call it Body Building, weight training, pumping iron...Bill Phillips calls it
the Training For LIFE Experience and it goes BEYOND and "normal" workout! Try
it!
Exercise Equipment
Exercise equipment to sculpt your body for life covers a wide range of topics,
body parts, and nutritional needs (just to name a few!) but one thing is for
sure... You're gonna need SOME workout gear!
Weider Crossbow
The Platinum Crossbow is a nice complement to a set of free weights for those
who want to HIIT all the muscle groups...I wanted a flexible piece of fitness
equipment to exercise at home on.
Nutrition
By far the biggest "challenge" in the Body for Life Challenge is eating
properly. Fat loss, energy levels, muscle gains all depend on it. Here you will
find tips and tools to help get it done.
Healthy Recipes
Be more successful with your Body for Life Challenge, use the recipes and meal
plans to eat healthy and nutritious meals, or just browse the collection of
fitness and body building information.
Library
Be more successful with your Body for Life Challenge by learning as much as you
can with our fitness books library. These are recommended (and some required!)
reading / viewing selections.
BFL on
eBay!
Body for life on eBay has great deals on many EAS and Body for LIFE products and
lots of hard to find items too!
Exercise equipment
for Life!
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