What happens when your treadmill stops suddenly, and how can you troubleshoot common home gym equipment? Selecting the best mini-trampolines, resistance bands, and cross trainers can significantly improve your at-home fitness results and safety.
Slam balls and medicine balls are both weighted balls you can use to enhance your workout routine. The differences between the two are slight but should be considered to ensure you get the right equipment for your fitness goals.
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Magnetic resistance exercise bikes use a magnetic field to create resistance. The field is generated by an electrical circuit or by internal batteries and pedaling action. A control panel is used to adjust resistance by altering the intensity of the magnetic field.
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The information panel on a treadmill gives you immediate readouts about the intensity and volume of your workout, including your walking or running pace. Pace is the distance traveled over a period of time, and the treadmill is able to calculate that figure based on the speed at which it is set.
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A part of maintaining your treadmill is adjusting the belt of the machine. When your belt becomes off track or loose, it can adversely affect your workout. Your alignment while running may be off or you could lose your balance if the belt does not have full tension.
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Resistance training can be done to help build muscle, lose weight and boost metabolism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity in each week, including muscle strengthening exercises and aerobic activity.
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Sole, a fitness equipment manufacturer, offers a line of elliptical machines. Sole provides a warranty on its ellipticals, which vary from one year to a lifetime depending on the part or elliptical model. Whether warrantied or not, you may want to troubleshoot the issue on your own before contacting Sole for repair.
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Treadmills with an incline feature have a larger motor for the running belt and a smaller motor that raises and lowers the deck. Some treadmill technicians and designers believe incline motors should be replaced when they fail to function properly. A new motor offers reliability and replacement is one consideration.
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Lubricating your treadmill walking belt regularly helps prevent wear and tear to the belt from excessive friction. Most treadmill manufacturers recommend lubricating the belt once every six to 12 months, depending on how often you use your machine.
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Determining the right treadmill size depends primarily on two things: your size and how you intend to use the machine. The belt and the motor are the most crucial components to correctly size, but other elements with proper sizing can increase your machine's efficiency.
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Do your homework before hopping on a treadmill. Taking the time to understand the features of manual and motorized treadmills can help maximize the benefits of your workout. There are significant differences between a manual treadmill and a motorized treadmill, including cost, features, size and maintenance needs.
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Some people decide to change their treadmill’s walking board once a year, just because it’s part of their extended warranty. But what do you do if you didn’t purchase an extended warranty and your walking board needs replacing due to a deformity, crack or other damage?
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Treadmills are designed to operate with a safety key. When the key is inserted into the console, it triggers a switch that allows electrical current to flow and activate the treadmill functions. Safety keys can be misplaced or damaged when not stored properly.
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Treadmills allow you to walk, jog or run, depending on your fitness goals. The faster you go, the more calories you burn, and the more impact you create in your workouts. Your physical condition -- more than your age -- should guide you as you select treadmill speeds.
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Elliptical machines are popular exercise equipment because they allow people of all fitness levels to enjoy a low-impact workout. These versatile machines allow you to adjust the resistance and, on some machines, the degree of elevation to further intensify your workout.
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For true cyclists, few things replace the enjoyment and physical satisfaction of distance riding on outdoor trails or roads.
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Having a treadmill at home provides you with a convenient way to get in a workout even if you can't make it to the gym. There are dozens of in-home treadmill manufacturers, each one with numerous model lines.
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Wearing the proper size ankle weight can help strengthen your muscles and prevent injury. Using weights that are too heavy or with improper exercises can increase your risk for injuring yourself. Sizing them for your frame and weight can help make them more comfortable during your workout routine.
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You will see a StairMaster in about every gym. Though they are typically placed next to every other cardio machine, they are much more efficient. A StairMaster will fit the bill whether you are pressed for time or looking for something to crank up your fitness routine.
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Most gyms have a cardio area that provides some form of elliptical trainer and one or more versions of an exercise bike. Both of these machines can help burn fat and increase aerobic capacity, depending on how you use them. Before deciding which is more appropriate for your needs, determine your goals.
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Manual treadmills are similar in design and function to automatic treadmills but lack a motor unit to drive the walking belt. Instead, you push the belt backward with your feet, gradually accelerating; eventually, momentum helps to keep the belt in motion.
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