Hi. The core of most exercise regime is cardio-vascular fitness. Most workout programs are built around the cardio theme and we have covered a lot of treadmills reviews so far. So, the natural flow would be a post on what would make a heart healthy diet. Here are some foods (list not in order of merit) that do great favours for the heart. We could have recipes involving these foods as ingredients.
February 25, 2009
February 23, 2009
Weslo Cadence C44 Treadmill
Hi. Today’s review is on the Weslo Cadence C44 Treadmill. Straight to the specs:
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PARTICULARS |
SPECIFICATIONS |
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Drive Motor |
2.25 THP Impulse Drive System |
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Deck Suspension |
Comfort Cell Cushioning |
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Belt (Dimension) – Usage area |
16”(W) x 47”(L) |
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Speed Range |
0-10 mph |
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Incline Range |
3%, 6% and 9% – All manual adjustments |
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User Load Capacity |
250 lbs |
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Workout Options |
Preset @ 3mph, 5.5mph, 6.5mph, 2.5mph |
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Heart Rate Monitor |
EKG Heart Rate Monitor |
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Display |
LCD – Large |
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February 18, 2009
The Protein-Workout Nexus
Protein is another macronutrient like carbohydrate, water and fat. They are required for making enzymes, hormones, blood plasma, and tissue repair, muscle building and even for energy production.
Though there are exceptions, the general rule for regular and intense workout schedules, weight training included, is protein consumption up to 1 gm per pound of body weight. If you do light intensity workouts everyday or moderate workouts, every other day (not daily) then 0.40 grams of protein for every pound of body weight may be had through food intake.
Keep in mind though that if your protein intake requirement is high, you drink enough fluids to back it up. Water is most recommended. Protein metabolism produces nitrogen that needs to be eliminated from the body, thus taxing both the kidneys and the liver. If you are into bodybuilding, strength training or endurance sports and consequently have a high protein intake, make sure you are not getting dehydrated. Your kidneys will require large amounts of water to be able to dilute produced nitrogen. (more…)
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February 16, 2009
Lifespan Fitness TR500 Folding Treadmill
Hi again this Monday of February 2009! Keeping to our posts on affordable and residential folding treadmills, we shall cover one of the few I have liked in the economy category – the Lifespan Fitness TR500 Folding-Treadmill. Now, this is a good machine for walkers and casual joggers like most folding treadmills but comes with enhanced stability and wider range of workout options. It has decent shock absorption at foot strike, good usage-area dimensions and folds easily – all the things that count for home treadmills. Let’s take a look at what else the Lifespan Fitness TR500 Folding Treadmill offers.
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February 11, 2009
Carbohydrate Loading, Stacking And Pre-Workout Sugar Intake
Continuing on the note of carbohydrates, I feel there are three other basics that require demystifying – that of carbohydrate loading, carbohydrate stacking and pre-workout sugar intake.
I am sure you have heard sprinters talk of carb loading often and wondered what it is. To put it simply, carbohydrate loading is when an athlete spends carbohydrates and then force-feeds himself/herself over a period of several days. Carbohydrates are thus first depleted, say on a long-distance fast run and then large amounts of carbs are eaten. This is supported by the theory that a carb-low body will overcompensate and store extra glycogen.
Similarly, you may have come across the term ‘carbohydrate stacking’, especially in magazines like Runner’s World etc. Carb stacking holds specific significance for endurance athletes such as those running marathons, 10K, Bolder Boulder, 100K, clay court tennis players etc. It means that the athlete consumes several different kinds of carbohydrates, each of which will be assimilated by the body at different rates depending on their glycaemic index (GI) values. The higher GI value foods will fulfil their instant energy requirements and the low GI value foods will enable slow and controlled energy release. (more…)
February 9, 2009
Stamina Inmotion II Manual Treadmill
Hi again this week. I am covering the Stamina Inmotion II Manual Treadmill today because I find it interesting as far as treadmills go. It is ultra-compact and offers the just the basics in terms of expectations from a residential folding treadmill and yet it is ling indoor aerobic fitness equipment I have come across.
I assume that it’s easy set-up procedure, portability and storage ease along with a sturdy design and affordability lends itself to its popularity.
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February 4, 2009
De-Mystifiying Carbohydrates
The more I interact with fitness enthusiasts and gym goers, the more I come across misunderstandings about the macronutrients – carbohydrates, protein, fat and water. Some talk of only a specific scale or measurement as an ideal, others talk of a particular diet that serves as a weight loss panacea and still others argue about what is the best pre and post-work-out food. In this post, I want to take-up some basic concepts that will help clear the mist around carbs.
Let”s start with why we need carbohydrates – Carbohydrates give us both instant and sustained energy. Carbohydrates taken in through food are broken down by enzymes into glucose for storage in our bodies. This glycogen is stored both in the muscles and in blood to help us carry through all the sedate and exertive activities for the day. (more…)
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February 2, 2009
Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill
Here’s another treadmill from the Bowflex stead. The Bowflex Series 3 Treadmill is a foldable and economic offer from Bowflex. Let’s get straight to the specs and review:
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PARTICULARS |
SPECIFICATIONS |
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Treadmill Weight |
298 lbs or 135 kilos |
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Drive Motor |
1.75 HP Continuous Duty |
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Deck |
Non-reversible |
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Belt Give |
Strike Zone deck cushioning that enables soft landing and quick lift off |
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Belt (Dimension) – Usage area |
20” (W) x 54”(L) x 1”(H) |
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Speed Range |
Up to a max of 10 mph |
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Incline Range |
0% – 12% |
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Dimensions |
77” (L) x 35”(B) x 55.25”(H) when laid out; 39”(L) x 35”(B) x 60(H) when folded. |
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User Load Capacity |
275 lbs or 125 kilos |
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Workout Options |
6 preset programs – manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, and hill intervals.
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Heart Rate Monitor |
Grip heart rate monitoring |
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Accessories |
2 bottle cup holders |
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Display |
4 window LED |