The Best Recumbent Exercise Bike – 5 Top Tips For Choosing

Selecting the best recumbent exercise bike depends on your goals and your budget. Your budget is a big factor because exercise bikes are machines that can cost more than you might imagine. Based on my ten years of experience with exercise bikes, here are 5 top tips for getting a bike that will be a great tool for your personal fitness quest.

Tip 1 – Look at the structure

Compare the look and weight of cheap bikes and expensive bikes. You want a bike with plenty of weight, otherwise it’s going to rock, slide and move around as you use it. That’s no fun and if the bike moves while you’re using it, eventually things are going to break. Look at the weight of the bike and notice how it compares to the weight of the multi-thousand dollar bikes. Now look at how you move the bike around. Does it have wheels that look like they’re easy to use? What about the seat? Look for comments on the Internet on how comfortable the machine is. A comfortable seat is a must.

Tip 2 – Electronics

High dollar bikes have more complex electronics. The electronics is responsible for the feedback you can receive like heart rate, calories burned, power output, distance travelled, speed and so forth. Make sure you get the feedback features that are important to you. Also the other important feature is the workout programs. You can often choose from several programs that simulate a variety of real-life situations. The more programs the better. You can invent your own workout routines, but the built-in programs help fight exercise boredom.

Tip 3 – Resistance

Most likely the resistance you face as you pedal is a magnetic system. Most bikes now are self contained with no cords and no outlet required. The pedaling generates the resistance. That’s what you probably want, so check it out. Is the resistance system quiet? See what owners say about the noise level.

Tip 4 – Where to buy

Shop at a local store and you can try a machine out for feel and performance. Many local shops will arrange for delivery and set up as well as assembly. But if you order on the Internet, you often can buy at a steep discount and get free shipping too. So it’s a trade off between convenience and cost. Don’t forget the convenience of just staying home and ordering on the Internet.

Tip 5 – Price

Recumbent exercise bikes range in price from just a small price to big money. Here’s the deal, if you pay too little you are likely throwing your money away. A very cheap bike may have many of the features of a quality bike, but may be so poorly constructed that it is impossible to use. On the other hand, many medium price machines, like the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike, are very reasonably priced but very high in quality. A very expensive bike will be smooth operating, built to last and will have many built in workout routines and other features. Your best values will be in the mid-priced machines.

I’m a fan of Schwinn exercise bikes based on my long-term positive experiences with mine. I’m a former auto industry engineer and I am very picky when it comes to quality in machinery. My bike is one of my all-time favorite machines!

August 25th, 2010 by 12oclock in Recumbent Bike Articles | No Comments

LCD Monitor Rack Will Help You Save Space

Do you have a server room in your company? Then packing as much hardware as possible in the available space must be one of your concerns. Servers take a lot of space anyway, and LCD monitors, in spite of their thinner profile compared to traditional CRT alternatives, can also take up considerable space when you need to place 20 or more of those in a single server room. This is where they come in handy.

They are great when you need to save space. There will be space to keep as many as 4-5 monitors in each rack. By investing in a few LCD monitor racks, you can not only save space, but also ensure complete safety of your monitors from physical impacts.

Server rooms are not the only places where you can use them, either. If you have a centralized surveillance center where security personnel have to keep their eyes on camera feeds from a number of locations at the same time, they can come in handy. You can install two racks side by side, and keep at least 15-20 monitors in little space. Besides, the sturdiness of the racks will also keep the monitors safe.

They have become quite affordable in recent years. That, coupled with the improved quality of the products being manufactured, has made it common practice among companies to have them installed in the server rooms.

Are you planning to purchase an LCD monitor rack? Then keep in mind the following guidelines:

Stick to branded products: When you are purchasing LCD monitor racks, do not go for the cheap stuff. Invest a little more and go for racks manufactured by popular brands. Your racks will last much longer, protect your monitors better, and produce excellent return over your investment.

Check online: Forget making complicated negotiations with salespersons in shops. When you look for products online, you are more in control of what you buy. Besides, most online shopping portals are generous with special offers and discounts. So feel free to look around.

Keep your budget in mind: True, you need good quality products, but don’t break the bank for that. There are many economical choices available for just about any product these days. So, don’t make a hasty decision. Check with the retailer to find out what deals you can get for the LCD monitor racks before you fork out the cash.

For some great choices of LCD monitor racks, visit the website and check out their inventory. Lots of choices with reasonable prices are the trademarks of this online retailer. Check out what deals they have to offer. You will not be disappointed.

July 19th, 2010 by 12oclock in Racks Articles | No Comments

Discover Why You Need to Get Lighted Pot Racks For Your Kitchen!

Every part of a house represents the personality of its owner. One should not ignore the interiors of any part of his house. The kitchen is one of the most important parts of a house. In order to organize a kitchen beautifully, different options are available at present. Pot racks are very important for handling different pots in a nice manner. They are important because they hold various pots and one can easily pick pots from them when required. In this article, we are going to inform you about lighted pot racks. This kind of racks are used in a large number of kitchens.

Lighted pot racks give a nice look to the kitchen. They can be easily fitted in to any kitchen and they look great. The best thing about these racks is that they have lights fitted in to them. When these lights are switched on, they make the pots glitter in a beautiful way. It sets the right kind of ambiance in the kitchen. When the kitchen looks beautiful, people who cook food, feel good from inside. You can hang different pots which you use frequently, on these cool racks.

A large variety of lighted pot racks are available in the market at present. Apart from stores in the market, you can also purchase these racks from different internet websites. You can easily choose one for your kitchen according to its size and structure. More you search the internet, more options you will get with regards to lighted pot racks. They are loved by a large number of people. They make the pots reflect the light which falls on them.

If you are thinking about the price then you can expect these racks at an affordable price. The price of these racks depend on their size, design, brand and some other factors. You can get these by paying price as low as $150. It completely depends on your budget. If you have plans for splurging on these racks then you may even purchase it for $2000 or more. It is always good to search different internet websites as one may get special discounts on purchasing from some internet websites. After getting an idea about the price of these racks at different websites, one should make a comparison and decide accordingly.

A lot of people believe that lighted pot racks are much better than traditional ones in both functionality and appearance. The purpose of these racks are not only to hold pots but to beautify the kitchen as well. Lighted pot racks perform both these tasks in a perfect manner. Once fitted, these racks add a style statement to the kitchen. When people will watch these pot racks in your kitchen they would not be able to stop themselves from praising the overall appearance of your kitchen.

July 7th, 2010 by 12oclock in Racks Articles | No Comments

Firewood Racks Help Add Warmth on Cold Winter Days

With winter approaching, many people turn to concerns about utilities and heat. With the economy in recession, more and more people are turning to wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts to help with heating their homes. Firewood racks help store the wood needed to get through long winter days.

If you are thinking about buying a firewood rack, you may want to consider the following tips:

- Quality of material. What is the rack made of? Is it made of a solid metal or steel? If you are storing your wood outside, you will want a firewood rack that will hold a large quantity of wood and be able to withstand harsh winter weather. Some firewood racks are only weather-resistant, or are built with an inexpensive metal and sprayed with a coating. These racks may not last the entire winter season without deteriorating. If you are unsure about a specific firewood rack that you are considering, or are having doubts about, move on to another store or item. Investing in quality firewood racks is a smart idea that will pay off over time.

- Size of firewood racks. How much wood will you be storing? Most wood is purchased by the cord. A cord of wood is a tightly stacked grouping of wood that is 4 x 4 x 8 in size (or 128 cubic feet of wood). If you will be storing a full cord or more than one cord of wood, you will either need a large firewood rack or several firewood racks. When making your purchase decision, know what size will suit your needs for storage.

- Manufacturer of the firewood rack. You will want a manufacturer with a good reputation. Check consumer reviews on the internet. If you are hearing positive comments and reviews from other buyers of firewood racks, that is a good sign. If you cannot find reviews or the comments are negative, you may want to keep looking.

- Is it an interior or exterior firewood rack? Some racks are designed and built for interior use only. These tend to be more decorative in design and manufacture. However, interior firewood racks are a great convenience. You do not have to travel outside in the harsh winter weather to grab firewood from an outside rack. If you are unsure about a firewood rack that you are considering, talk to the sales representative at the store. He or she should be very knowledgeable about the items that are being sold and should be able to answer all of your questions.

- Cost of the rack. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Shop around for firewood racks that suit your budget needs. You may be able to find the firewood rack that you love at different stores or on internet shops. If so, try to find the best deal. You can always call the store and tell them that you found a better price elsewhere and see if they will match it. Also, ask the sales representative about the warranty provided by the store or the manufacturer. Make sure that the seller has a thirty-day return or exchange policy. You want to be comfortable with your purchase decision.

July 2nd, 2010 by 12oclock in Racks Articles | No Comments

What is a Good Recumbent Exercise Bike?

Recumbent exercise bikes are comfortable and easy to ride. There are many exercise gimmicks that are really a waste of money. A quality exercise bike is a proven way to exercise at home and get fit. A recumbent exercise bike is the choice of many for several reasons. How do you decide what is a good recumbent exercise bike?

How much?

First consider how much you want to spend. Moderate priced bikes offer the best value. Really inexpensive bikes are usually a poor choice. Why? Cheap bikes are often too light and quality of construction is poor. A poorly constructed bike will start to move around as you ride it and over time will loosen up. The bike will then tear itself apart as you ride it. Schwinn is a brand that offers many moderately priced bikes that offer quality construction.

Features.

Electronics on exercise bicycles make for a fun workout. If you want built-in workout programs, choose the bike that includes the programs you like. Boredom stops many exercise bike riders. A recumbent exercise bike with many workout options may be a good buy.

The Schwinn model 230 has a silent drive with 16 levels of resistance plus 6 preset programs and 10 profile sources.

The drive.

Get a magnetic drive that lets you vary resistance with the drive. That way you’ll pedal along in nearly complete silence. Then you can read or watch videos while you pedal. Fight boredom with a quiet ride.

Get a popular model.

If you choose a bike that’s made in large quantities, you can read on the Internet what bike owners have to say. That way you’ll have a better chance of finding out the good and bad of what you buy. Pick a moderately priced model that has the blend of features and price that most closely matches your needs.

What is a good recumbent exercise bike depends on your goals. Based on my experience as a twenty plus year owner of a Schwinn exercise bike, I think you should consider a moderately priced Schwinn as your machine. These bikes offer a great balance between price, quality and features.

June 22nd, 2010 by 12oclock in Recumbent Bike Articles | No Comments

Gun Racks – For Transporting Your Guns

Transporting your weapons in a safe manner is a matter of vital importance.  Gun racks are a common way to safely move your rifles from one destination to another within a vehicle.  Safety is the number one concern of most gun owners and having a safe way to transport your weapons is essential.  Many people buy gun racks that may damage their vehicle as they are commonly attached through holes that need to be drilled into the automobile.  Others have problems keeping the racks attached.  This can cause further problems as firearms can fall off and discharge unexpectedly.  Buying the right brand of gun rack for your vehicle from the right manufacturer is a priority for you and the people you drive in your truck or SUV.

There are many different types of gun racks or utility racks on the market.  Purchasing one from a company who has been making them for many years is intelligent.  Too many people buy cheap versions from large department stores to find out that they are hard to install and practically useless for holding weapons.  There are racks on the market that are incredibly easy to install without drilling holes into your vehicle.  They are mounted securely providing a safe environment for you and your loved ones.

Utility racks can be used to transport almost anything from fishing poles to garden tools.  These handy creations allow people the ease of transporting large tools without taking up a lot of room.  Utility racks are basically the same as gun racks and work in the same manner.  Instead of cramming your valuable tools into the back of your truck or SUV, you can keep them new and useful by installing a convenient rack in your automobile.

Different utility and gun racks are made for different types of windows.  Adapters can also be purchased to make the rack fit properly and securely in your vehicle.  These adapters are commonly used with narrow-track sliding glass rear windows.

Installing a gun or utility rack in your vehicle cannot only provide safety to you and your family, but it can help promote longer life to your weapons and tools.  Storing and transporting your firearms, fishing poles or any other tool properly will help them remain in better condition for a longer period and provide you with many years of use.

June 17th, 2010 by 12oclock in Racks Articles | No Comments

Find Out Which Home Fitness Equipment Offers the Best Results

Thinking of investing on a quality home fitness equipment but not quite decided on which one to plunk your hard-earned money on? Take a moment to be honest with yourself and assess how physically fit or out of shape you are. Knowing your physical limitations along with your doctor’s approval before starting a rigorous exercise program will redound to your utmost benefit.

Are you overweight and looking for your very first home exercise equipment that can help you realize a balanced workout program? A treadmill offers great results for those just starting out with regular home workout sessions. Are you beyond your prime and need to cushion the impact of exercise equipment on your knees and back? A recumbent bike that will have you sitting on a reclined position which supports the lower back and minimizes the stress on knees may be good for you. Are you planning to engage in regular low-impact aerobic exercise to build your lower body muscles? If so, a reliable step machine may be suited for you.

If you’ve tried working out in a gym, it’ll be easy for you to know which equipment will be best to bring home.

Some people invest on their own elliptical trainer (one of the most popular exercise machines in health clubs) to get a full body workout. As buyers of this exercise equipment will attest, it’s a machine that can be quite comfortable to use especially since it allows control of the intensity and levels of resistance.

The fitness equipment for home use that may provide the best results is a quality brand you’d be comfortable using on a regular basis, so check out the features of your planned purchase. Look for buyer’s guides that are available online, and check with your fitness-oriented friends which brands are worth purchasing.

If you’re thinking of buying a treadmill, note the standard features including pre set controls, maximum weight capacity, heart rate control mechanism, and other add-ons like a reading rack, CD player, digital personal trainer, and customized features. As with other exercise machines, select a sturdy but user-friendly model. A continuous duty 2.0-horsepower motor is generally acceptable. Go a little higher with a 2.5-horsepower model, and preferably a two-ply surface belt with length of about 60 inches if you’ll be doing a lot of running (48 inches if you’ll be walking on the treadmill much of the time).

If you’re still saving for a major exercise equipment purchase, you may want to go for used or refurbished fitness equipment. Or you may settle for free weights that may be purchased at very reasonable prices. They can work several muscle groups in one session. After use, you can store the hand weights even in a small cabinet or under your bed. Another important thing to remember is not to heap too much pressure only on one area or portion of the body.

When choosing a home fitness equipment, consider the fun factor apart from reliability and durability. Choose a trusted brand and choose a model after weighing the pros and cons. By reading customer reviews on products, you’ll better assess if a certain equipment will be right for you or not.

June 14th, 2010 by 12oclock in Recumbent Bike Articles | No Comments

Salon Equipment Carts

Salons that expand their services need to appropriately display the equipment and products they use. Hair care products, skin care and body products are sometimes also kept for sale. In order to make them attractive, on display, it is important to set them up in an organized and attractive manner to enhance sales.

There are a number of racks, carts and trolleys available in the local market. The type of display racks salon owners choose depends on the size of the inventory that will be displayed. The quantity and the quality have to be considered. Hair salon equipment retailers offer a large selection of display tables, racks and shelves for sale.

The salon carts enhance the look of the premises even more. These stylish trolleys and carts can even look great in waiting rooms, offices, lobbies and private dressing rooms. They come in convenient and compact designs. They can also be customized to fit the requirement and need of the salon owners. These carts and trolleys work as a great space savers.

Some are made of oak wood. They have glass tops and contain high-grade, black metal bases. They are great for holding supplies. There are aluminum carts that are pre- assembled. They have metal trays, a metal basket at the bottom and a number of storage compartments

There are carts with holders for tiny bowls. They also have holders for aluminum foil with serrated edges, for easy tearing. There are wooden spa utility carts that have trays and attached wooden shelves.

Many online sties are available that give complete descriptions about these carts and trolleys. These sites also provide free catalogues online. The information enables the salon owners to choose the kind of carts best suited for the premises. The carts and their availability depend on the research done.

June 14th, 2010 by 12oclock in Racks Articles | No Comments

The Life of a Bodybuilder

So you think you’ve got what it takes to be a bodybuilder? Can you go through grueling workouts with almost no glycogen storage? Can you avoid all simple sugars for nearly two months? Can you get down to below 5% body fat?

If you are one of the few, dedicated individuals who think they can become a bodybuilder, ask yourself this question. “Can I stop drinking all fluids for nearly 24 hours?” If you answered no to the last question, I don’t think any less of you. In fact, the last 24 hours before a competition are perhaps the most miserable for most bodybuilders. In my case, I can honestly say the hardest part was the carbohydrate depletion. As an author and a Personal Trainer, I found it extremely difficult to function without the primary source of energy– carbs. That being said, my experience as a bodybuilder has molded me into the strongest person I have ever been. I’m going to illustrate my latest experience at the Border States Classic in October 2008, in the hopes of inspiring and educating those who are interested in the sport of bodybuilding to compete.

First and foremost, I should tell everyone that bodybuilding is truly a competition against one’s self. This means that one must constantly be battling their urges to consume junk food, overeat and skip on workouts. No one else can make you do this. Even a Personal Trainer can only give you a roadmap, but you must follow the path. I knew that I could keep myself from indulging in the non-essentials so I decided to try my hand at the Border States. Ten weeks before the show I weighed in at 168 pounds and around 11% body fat. I figured that I couldn’t make bantamweight (up to 143lbs.), but I knew my muscular development was good, so I began to go through a journey of fat burning.

Supplements:

The edge I had over many of my competitors was my knowledge of supplementation. I knew that the right combination of supps could fine tune my body and allow me to go on stage super tight. I was right! I was very, very tight. Below is the list of supplements that I used during pre-competition:

Green Tea Extract 600 mg daily/

7-Keto 300 mg daily/

CLA- 8 grams a day (4 before bed)/

Tribulus- 3000 mg daily/

Gaspari Novedex- 3 capsules at bedtime/

Fish Oil- 30 grams a day/

Max Nitro L-Arginine- 10 grams a day on empty stomach/

L-Glutamine 30 grams a day. (10 at night)/

Controlled Labs Purple Wrath/

AST GABA- 5 Grams before bedtime/

Alpha Lipoic Acid/ L Carnitine/ Co Q 10 compound- 4 capsules a day/

Milk Thistle/

Probolic SR (not the last week)/

BSN Lean Dessert (Not the last week)/

Natures Best- Whey Isolate (not the last week before the show)/

MHP-XPEL water loss (8 capsules daily for the last week)

This may seem like a lot of supplements, and it is! Remember, a bodybuilder cannot deprive his or her body of the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Actually, no one should deprive their body. All we have in life is time and health. It is important to make both of these as good and enjoyable as possible.

Training: High Volume

I used a routine that consisted of hitting every body part twice a week, taking Sunday off. I hit legs and deltoids three times a week. My training was very high volume and looked similar to this:

Shoulders:

Lateral Raise– 4 sets of 15-20 reps, superset with 4 sets of Front Raises 15-20 reps

Overhead dumbbell press– (35 lbs) 4 sets of 25 reps

Wide Grip Upright Rows– 4 sets of 20 reps

Shrugs with light weight– 20 reps, superset with Lateral Raises to finish

My cardio increased significantly the last 3 weeks. I did one half-hour session of cardio on the recumbent bike first thing in the morning, after a shake with Purple Wrath. I did this again at night after my last meal to ensure that I would deplete my glycogen stores.

Diet: Carbohydrate Cycling

This is truly the hardest part of bodybuilding. I opted to cycle my carb intake; taking in only 40 grams of carbs from oatmeal for 4 days. On the fifth day, I would take in about 200 grams of carbs from oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and brown rice. All of my meals contained about 6 ounces of fish (no salmon), chicken or ground turkey. These are very lean meats, which allowed me to maintain an adequate protein intake. All meals contained 2 cups of green beans, spinach, or bok choy. I would take in 5 meals every day, or the equivalent of 1 meal every 3 hours. I made sure to supplement with plenty of fish oil and Branched Chain Amino Acids to maintain energy levels and muscle tissue. In essence, I tried to focus on lean protein and veggies.

Note: The last week before competition, I ate only 30 grams of carbs per day until the day before the show. I also drank only 2 gallons of water until two days before (Thursday); that day I drank only a ½ gallon of water. Friday I only drank 8 oz. of water. Saturday morning I only had black coffee. I was very thirsty to say the least.

Posing and Tanning: Contest Prep is Vital!

A few weeks before the competition I began to tan. This is one of my least favorite parts of my experience. In addition to the regular tanning, I applied 6 coats of Pro-Tan, a tanning liquid that is painted on the skin. Now, I have the unfortunate disposition of having body hair, so my stubble was somewhat noticeable. Therefore, before the night show, I applied one more coat to hide the stubble. Tanning is a pain, but it is necessary and very aesthetically pleasing. The lights on stage are white, which makes the competitors look pale. Pale white skin would wash away like sand on the beach. Remember, this sport is about how good you look!

Posing is perhaps the most important part of bodybuilding shows. Flexing each muscle is a form of isometric exercise and helps etch in the definition between muscles. A competitor should be used to flexing for at least 60 seconds to build up endurance. Judges do not like to see competitors shake on stage from lack of muscular endurance. I think I posed for at least 30 minutes every day starting from two weeks prior to the show. The last two days, flexing and posing were my only forms of exercise.

Conclusion:

Although it was a challenge, my bodybuilding experience was one of the greatest times of my life. It was a blast being onstage with my fellow athletes. It was even more fun standing right in front of the biggest guy onstage and posing down with him. I suggest that if you are interested in Bodybuilding Competition, you should go to a show to see what the atmosphere is like. See the competitors in person and decide if you have the discipline to transform your body with the necessary strategies.

Keep the Fire Burning!

June 2nd, 2010 by 12oclock in Recumbent Bike Articles | No Comments

Features and Benefits of the Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5

The Nike Vomero is considered by many runners to be the best cushioned neutral running shoe. Here are some features and benefits of its latest version, the Zoom Vomero+ 5.

Nike+ Ready – A pocket located under the sockliner, inside the midsole of the left shoe, provides a secure place for the sensor (sold separately), which feeds speed and distance information to your Ipod or Nike Sportband.

The Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5 delivers the premium comfort and plush, responsive cushioning consistent with its predecessor, but has been refined to offer an enhanced fit and a smoother ride, all in a light weight package. This shoe is ideal if you’re a runner with an under pronated foot to neutral gait.

Key Product Features

1. No sew overlays through the forefoot provide a snug, secure, and seam free fit for enhanced support and reduced areas of irritation.

2. Isolated and articulated, gender specific crash pad protects against shock at impact and helps to provide a smooth transition from heel strike through midstance.

3. New, zonal CPU midfoot saddle design works with an elastic mesh panel to provide a more adaptable fit, dynamic lockdown and support through foot strike.

4. Extended Duralon blown rubber enhances cushioning and encourages a smooth, efficient stride through propulsion.

5. Fully exposed, external heel counter helps lock the heel in place for a secure fit.

6. Segments of solid rubber in Waffle Fill and Waffle outsole under the medial rearfoot and toe tip for enhanced durability and great multi-surface traction.

7. Dynamic cuboid support component features a soft density foam for cushioning, support and a naturally smooth, efficient stride.

May 31st, 2010 by 12oclock in Recumbent Bike Articles | No Comments