Merry Fitness and Happy New Rear!

Whew! Thanksgiving is behind us..

Did those low fat pies lead to high fat thighs? Let's hope not!

However, we may have dodged one bullet, still two more to go!

Christmas and New Years! Hence our favorite slogan of the year...MERRY FITNESS AND HAPPY NEW REAR!

We in the fitness industry love this saying.  It makes you chuckle, but it is what we all really want from Santa.

So how do you get fit, and a great behind..lots of hard work my friends!

Stay focused, stay consistent, and keep up with your routines!

A great piece of cardio is important to have as a back up in your home.  A treadmill, great for a casual stroll, or brisk walk, even an all out run.  Bad knees? How about an elliptical.  No shock impact on your joints.  Elevated off the floor, you are able to get a full body workout in less time!  Vertically challenged, how about a recumbent bike.  Great piece for knee replacements/injuries or back issues.  You work at a reclining angle working the eccentric muscles in your legs.

We at Fit Equipment Etc have all these and so much more!  Come by and visit us here for a fun filled shopping experience.  We not only have quality merchandise, but a fantastic staff (with incredible personalities) to make your experience a positive one!  Not just fun, but educational as well!

Don't put off investing in a great back up piece to add to your home.  When you can't get to the club, there is no excuse not to get your workout in!

Then hit the lunges, squats and stairs to work those glutes! And then, the Happy New Rear!

Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

From all of us fun-filled staff at Fit Equipment Etc!~

The Holiday Season is Upon Us....Uh Oh!

The Holiday Season is now upon us.  Are you ready? For all of it?

What a great time of year to spend with family and friends!  To be social, and have fun reminiscing about past memories, and creating new ones!  But it is not all rainbows and sprinkles is it?

The stress and the work of it all.  The anxiety levels raise high, and we do it to ourselves. 

So why is it the first thing we let fall to the wayside is our fitness regimen.  Our workouts, all of a sudden we are way too busy to make it to that class, or that gym.  Our diet, starts to hit the fan from Thanksgiving Eve to New Years.  I mean come on. Why would we get back on the wagon, only to fall off next week, or the week after?  Let's just keep rolling till January.  Let's just add the 10-15 lb weight gain that becomes "average" among most individuals during this time period.

STOP THE CYCLE!  We must! (laughing as I type this, but it is true!) 

So many of us fall into the abyss of the holidays, only to start off the new year with added regret and added body fat!

So do yourself a favor, DON'T FALL INTO THE ABYSS!  (Use that as your daily motivator)

Move..go to that class, find a good home routine to start.  Use a DVD as inspiration!  Make sure your back up piece of equipment at home, whether it be an elliptical, treadmill, or bike, is in good working condition.  If not, take the time to make that stop into Fit Equipment Etc. to purchase something that will help you achieve your goals! Every day is a new beginning! So make sure to stay motivated and positive.  If you fall, it is OK, you are not a failure!  Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and hit it hard again the next day.  Just don't fall down and never get up!

We are here for you! So now..there are NO EXCUSES!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON!

Why Add Resistance Bands To Your Training?

With so many options out there for training, why consider adding something like resistance bands?

Well for many reasons.  One of the most popular would be how versatile they can be.  They travel well and are easily portable, but they offer you a different feel than free weight training alone. 

Resistance bands can help improve your flexibility.  Something we tend to lose as we age.  Flexibility is crucial to preventing injury.  Improving free range of motion is also important. 

Muscle fibers are activated, as well as the amount of force, comparable to free weight training.  Personally, when doing a home routine, it is a great way to "change up" the exercises.  From dumb bells, to bands, and back, offers some muscle confusion, and variety as well.

Price.  Resistance bands are a very minimal investment.  With prices ranging from $7.99 and up, how can you say NO to these clever little inventions!

My advice, stay with the same company for all various resistances.  This way you may gage your progress correctly.  If you jump to different manufacturers, they may offer different resistances.  Not all companies are alike.  Spri and Valeo offer some great bands with handles, and even rings to challenge you.

For a demonstration, or more information, come visit us at Fit Equipment Etc, 243 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, Ma! 

We are always here to help, and get you on the right path to healthy!

Kettlebell Training

Kettlebell Training

Kettlebell training is a great way to get yourself into amazing cardiovascular shape. It helps you to build muscle, while at the same time burning off fat. Only gaining attention in the Western world within the last few years, Kettlebell Training has long been a popular way for Russians. 

Kettlebells originated in Russia back in the 18th century.  Resembling a cannon ball with a handle attached, it was used to help train the Russian military and athletes, and keep them in shape.

There are many benefits of Kettlebell Training. Some of these include: building lean muscle, increased stamina, higher levels of agility, and increased strength.  Kettlebell Training allows the user to get an intense workout!

There are a variety of ways to use this piece of equipment.  In place of ordinary dumb bells for many body parts including shoulders, chest, back, biceps, legs, etc.  Also, a routine designed specifically for the kettlebell and its variety of exercises. Cleans, Presses, Squats, Jerks and of course The Turkish Get Up, which is a very complicated, and skilled move.  It can be very hard core, and challenging.  Proper form and use of this device can really catapult you, when a routine becomes boring and repetitive.

So what are you waiting for? Challenge yourself to try a kettlebell! Various sizes, ranging from 2.5 lbs-100lbs+, and measured in either pounds or KG's find the size right for you, and get to work!

Visit our website, or come into Fit Equipment Etc to "grab" a few kettlebells today!

About the Author: Fit Equipment Etc. is New England’s largest showroom of fitness equipment. Fit Equipment Etc also has a wide selection of work out equipment for sale online. Offering the best home treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercise gear and more, Fit Equipment Etc can supply you with everything you need to create your own home gym.

  

Top 18 Benefits of Weight Training

1.  Weight training tones your muscles which looks great and raises your basal metabolism...which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours a day. You'll even burn more calories while you're sleeping!

2. Weight training can reverse the natural decline in your Metabolism, which begins around age 30.

3. Weight training energizes you!

4. Weight training has a positive effect on almost all of your 650-plus muscles.

5. Weight training strengthens your bones, reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.

6. Weight training improves your muscular endurance.

7. Weight training will NOT develop big muscles on women...just toned muscles!

8. Weight training makes you strong. Strength gives you Confidence, and makes daily activities easier.

9. Weight training makes you less prone to low-back injuries.

10. Weight training decreases your resting blood pressure. 

11. Weight training decreases your risk for diabetes.

12. Weight training decreases your gastrointestinal transit time, reducing your risk for developing
colon cancer.

13. Weight training increases your blood level of HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind).

14. Weight training improves your posture.

15. Weight training improves the functioning of your immune system.

16. Weight training lowers your resting heart rate, a sign of a more efficient heart.

17. Weight training improves your balance and coordination.

18. Weight training elevates your mood, leaving you with a feeling of well being, and accomplishment!

Health Benefits Using Free Weight Equipment

Everybody can benefit from the use of free weight equipment it isn’t only for bodybuilders and professional sports players. Working with weight equipment won’t necessarily turn you into a muscle bound hulk, although it will strengthen and tone your body, provide you with an excellent all-round workout and help to improve your long term health. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym; your strength will improve with two or three days of weight training a week with two days of rest between workouts.

There are many advantages of training with free weight equipment, one of which is that just about anybody can benefit from it, including older people, women and children. Free weight training can help to build self-esteem and confidence; it’s also an excellent way to socialize and have fun while you keep fit. Many parents view weight training as a family activity and encourage children to participate.

And using weight equipment has been proven to be a good way to lose weight, and to help keep it off, especially when combined with a healthy diet can give significant results. Weight training is particularly effective as a method of losing weight, because it increases the body's metabolic rate, which allows fat to burn off constantly - even when we’re asleep. BONUS!

Regular weight training increases the lean muscle mass, which helps to strengthen the bones and burn fat. Stronger bones mean stronger muscles, which can improve stability and balance and ultimately lower your risk of falling and breaking a bone. This is a particular benefit for older people who are using free weight equipment, although it’s never too early to start strengthening the bones.

It is possible to get a much greater development with the use of free weights than you can with machine exercises. Dumbbells and barbells are more effective in developing the stabilizer muscles and require more balance and coordination than machine exercises.

There can be other long term benefits as well, especially for older people who are training with free weight equipment. Weight training can help prevent the onset of such diseases as osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis and hypertension, and is even beneficial in helping to prevent depression and cardiovascular diseases. Weight training is increasingly included in rehabilitation program for stroke and heart attack victims.

If you have a sedentary lifestyle or a desk-bound job and aren’t particularly active, free weight training can help you. The use of weights can help you improve your posture, strengthen your lower back and ultimately avoid back injury, the most common reason for those aged under 45 to limit their physical activities.

And two of the biggest advantages of weight training? It doesn’t require any expensive or complicated equipment; you can train effectively with dumbbells or a barbell.

No Excuses...Now get to work!! And have fun!!

The Foam Roller..does it live up to the hype?

With all the new fitness crazes out there, lets look at one on the rise.

Foam Rollers..are they worth all the hype? Well, in my opinion...YES!

As we age, we tend to get "tight". Stretching helps keep our bodies flexible. When we are more flexible, we can move easier, and prevent injuries. A foam roller is a device that originated from the physical therapy world, and has crossed over into the fitness industry.

Think of it as a "rolling pin" for your muscles. As a rolling pin can eliminate air bubbles in dough, a foam roller can eliminate "knots" in the muscles. It can increase blood circulation to the areas of pain, and promote healing that much faster! Does it work? YES! It can cut your healing time in half!

After a good leg workout day my legs can be tight, and even with stretching feel sore. So I foam roll as well, and it makes me feel more limber. Investment is inexpensive. Prices ranging from $15 to $45. But well worth it!

Check them out here at Fit Equipment!

About the Author: Fit Equipment Etc. is New England’s largest showroom of fitness equipment. Fit Equipment Etc also has a wide selection of work out equipment for sale online. Offering the best home treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercise gear and more, Fit Equipment Etc can supply you with everything you need to create your own home gym.

Fall Back Into Fitness

Ah, the summer..So much fun! Taking those long summer days to head to the beach, that family cookout, or even that evening concert. All the while, munching and drinking ourselves into oblivion. The one thing we tend to lax on is fitness. Our workouts..our walks, our strength training, our group training sessions, spin classes, the cross fit routine, or even that home DVD that motivates you! (Thank you Tony Horton!) Yes, ALL OF THOSE THINGS fall by the wayside when summer hits.

Why is it we all go "gung ho" to get into that summer bathing suit, yet once in it, we forget to maintain those good habits? I'll tell you why, human nature. We work hard, but then there is a time to play. And play we do! But welcome to the fall, and with that comes a reality slap. Whoa..The holidays are coming! I think my pants shrunk! I never noticed THAT before! Now what? Time to dust off that elliptical, lubricate that treadmill, and tour your local health clubs. Fall is the perfect time to fall back into a fitness routine. Time to get the diet and nutrition habits back in check before the holidays roll around. A way to jump start on the New Year resolutions. Maybe you can knock off a few pounds before the holidays! Get yourself back to start by the time the New Year rolls around.

As a certified personal trainer, I have seen and heard it all. So no surprises! It is never too late to start! If you feel you may fit into the category of "lost fitness soul", don't worry, you are not alone! We are here to help you! Give us a visit, or a call, even visit our website @ FitnessEquipmentEstore.com and we will do our best to get you motivated and on your way!

About the Author: Laurie is a CPT at Fitness Equipment Estore which features New England’s largest showroom of commercial & home gym exercise equipment. The showroom and online store feature some of the industry’s best home gyms, commercial and home treadmills and more!

Top 5 Fitness Mistakes

Whether you’ve been regularly exercising for years or just starting out, you may be doing something that is getting in the way of getting optimal results from your workout. You make a point to fit in your exercise and work hard during the exercise. You stretch, drink water and try to stay consistent with your workout, but there are a few other points you may be forgetting.


Why not make sure you are getting the most of the effort you put into working out? This article will walk you through the most common fitness mistakes that are holding you back.

1. Skipping Cardio OR Strength Training

Cardio exercises will keep your heart healthy, while strength training tones muscles and burns fat. Both are necessary for a proper workout regimen. But many people are simply too concerned with the specific results they want. Women want to lose belly fat so they solely do abdominal and cardio work. Men want to bulk up so they focus strictly on weight training. This is simply not a good strategy. Every workout should have a balance of cardio and strength training. While you may lean towards one, both aspects should be employed in your regimen.

2. Doing the Same Ole, Same Ole

If you are always doing the same routine and working out the same muscles, you will start seeing diminishing returns. When you repeat the same exercise, your body learns ways to do it more efficiently by expending less energy and burning fewer calories. Whether it’s jogging, weight lifting or yoga, be sure to mix it up every so often. By that we don’t just mean added reps, distance or time. Pick up a new routine. It may be tough at first, and you should be sore afterwards, but it truly is the best for getting results.

3. Expecting Results Immediately

This is especially true for new exercisers. Like anything worth doing, getting in great shape is no small task. You won’t come back from the gym looking 5 years younger. This probably won’t happen after a month at the gym either. What you need to focus on is long-term work that will give you long-term results. Don’t be frustrated if you don’t start seeing results instantly. Keep in mind that the change will be gradual, so other people may be noticing the change before you do.

4. Doing the Gym Slouch

When working out, it’s so important to have good posture. Whether you’re on the elliptical cross trainer or the treadmill, be sure you aren’t slouching or gripping the handlebars for dear life. Make sure you're spine is straight.

5. Over-Doing It

As the old saying goes, everything is good in moderation. By doing too long or intense of a workout, you run the risk of burning out or hurting yourself. In both of these situations, you’ll be away from the gym for a while. So don’t put yourself in that situation. Gradually add intensity and take some time for your body to recover after a tough workout.



About the Author: Fitness Equipment Etc. features New England’s largest showroom of commercial & home gym exercise equipment. The showroom and online store feature some of the industry’s best home gyms, commercial treadmills and more!

Stretching

The Benefits of Stretching

There are several benefits of stretching, and it is important for you to include some stretching exercises into your fitness routine.

Stretching increases flexibility.

Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen. As you get older, your muscles begin to shorten and tighten, restricting your flexibility. Your movement becomes slower and less fluid. You don't stand up as straight. You walk more stiffly and with
a shorter stride. You find it more difficult to bend down to pick something up.
You're more susceptible to muscle, joint and tendon injuries. One of the
greatest benefits of stretching is that it will increase your flexibility.
Increased flexibility will help you comfortably and fluidly perform life's daily
activities and help reduce the risk of muscle, joint and tendon injuries.

Stretching can eliminate low back pain.

Low back pain could be the most common kind of structural pain and it affects a large percentage of the population worldwide. Muscle tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexes and low back muscles is the common cause of low back pain. Not to mention our habit to have bad posture! Stretching these muscles will often eliminate the pain. Foam rollers are a great option to help stretch all those areas!

Stretching improves circulation.

Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles. Increased blood flow brings more nourishment to the muscles and gets rid of more waste biproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can also help shorten your recovery time. Check out some stretch bands to help get the job done!

Stretching feels good!

One of the best benefits of stretching is that it feels good! It is a great stress relaxer, and it helps improve flexibility! Precor makes a stretch trainer that is out of this world!

Our next blog will cover many different types of stretching techniques, and stretching accessories to help make stretching easier, and more comfortable!

Until next time!

Flatten Your Tummy for the Summer

As you get ready to head for the lake or lay out by the pool this summer, you may feel that your belly isn’t as flat as you want it to be. Whether you want to get really toned abs or are just looking to reduce some of the fat in your mid-section, we want to help you look great in your swimsuit. With over 20 years in the health and fitness business, we know how to get you looking and feeling great, and we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful ways to do so.

Eat Right

Cut out the fatty, starchy, high-carb foods and move toward lean meats, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruit. This will not only keep your digestion going strong but keep your body in high-metabolism mode.

Don’t eat too much food that is high in salt/sodium. These snacks retain more fluid giving you a bloated, “fluffy” look. Along with salty snacks like chips and pretzels, frozen meals and processed foods have high daily values of sodium, so it’s best to steer away from those when possible.

Avoid eating 3 hours before you go to sleep. Allowing food to digest while you sleep limits its effectiveness.

Drink Water

Studies have shown drinking water throughout the day helps fill you up leaving you less hungry at meal-time.

Proper hydration also aids digestion.

By drinking water, you are hopefully staying away from sugary soda or alcohol, which are calorie-loaded and weight-inducing.

Incorporate Ab and Full-Body Exercises

Even though you may be focusing on reducing your belly fat, it’s important to incorporate fully-body exercises and cardio workouts, which help get rid of excess weight. Start each workout with a quick jog or power walk outside or on a home treadmill.

We also recommend using workout weights to increase muscle mass. Cardio and strength training increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories.

Don’t forget to do targeted workouts focusing on improving your abdomens. There are a number of exercises that focus on the 9 different regions of the core. These may be as simple as crunches on a medicine ball or as complex as using a Body-Solid Home Gym. As you advance, increase intensity by either adding weight or reps. You can, for example, do crunches while holding a weight plate to your chest or tossing a medicine ball to your partner or trainer.

About the Author: Fitness Equipment Etc. has the largest showroom of work-out equipment and gear in New England. We specialize in providing you exactly what you need whether it be an elliptical cross trainer machine or floor mats for exercise. Browse our collection today, and find what you’re looking for!

Q: Why buy from a Specialty Fitness Equipment Store?

A: First and foremost, it is what they do! More than likely, you want something that isn't junky like at a sporting good store and at the same time, you do not want to break the bank.

Well, would you go to the grocery store to purchase tires for your car? Or would you buy your computer at your local drug store?

Fitness equipment is a specialized product. When it comes to treadmills, ellipticals, home gyms, exercise bikes or fitness gear the more chances are you need proper advice. Why not visit someone that knows this in their sleep?

By all means prepare yourself, bring web pages into the store and ask questions!

Sporting goods stores carry the low end stuff. They are of poor quality, rather pricey for what you are getting and you have a very limited selection of machines. Remember this: the person who makes their decision on what to sell basis it on a spreadsheet and where they make more money. I would wager they never stepped foot on the machines or know anything at all about them!

Making any buying decision can be a daunting one. If you go on-line you will find so many websites that make claims about certain brands that they happen to sell and claim how good they are. But those sites are basically that, only websites, without a sales floor or office.

Many even make a sale and email the manufacturer to drop ship to your house. You buy this way? More than likely you will be sorry!

As we see more Internet ripoffs we are aware that this leaves a black mark in the fitness market. We don't want customers to have a bad experience trying to choose a fitness machine. Only a SPECIALTY FITNESS dealer can help you choose the proper machine and more importantly, explain why! None of our staff work on commission!

Isn't it more expensive?

Contrary to popular belief it is not more expensive to visit your local fitness dealer. You not only will find that they have what you are looking for, the price point, but you will also get the proper recommendation. This way you will not be paying $800.00 for a hunk of junk. Be smart about your buying decision, buy properly. Specialty stores have the same levels of pricing you will find from those supposed expert websites which are nothing more than a guy at home with a slick site that works on commission. It will not be more money and it will certainly be less headaches.

In most cases we pay the same or even less than BIG BOX Sports and only a Specialty Fitness dealer has the BEST inexpensive lines, from the quality manufacturers that make the best products.

We always recommend that if you are serious about buying the right exercise or fitness equipment at the best value, then to buy at a Specialty Fitness dealer. (Even if it is not us!) SPECIALTY does not mean expensive! We are here to advise and help you make the proper decision.

The truth about fitness machines

They break down. Yes this is the truth that no one wants to admit. There will be a service call in your warranty period. When you shop at New England's Largest and top retailer of fitness Equipment, you call them and they take care of the problem. You do not have to deal with the manufacturer or an e-mail address to rectify an issue. Fit Equipment Etc and FitnessEquipmentEstore have been around for over twenty years. They will know what and how to repair the problem. Talk about peace of mind! Fit Equipment Etc. offers the lowest prices, the biggest selection and does their own repair and delivery! (What else could you ask for!)

Fit Equipment Etc

243 Boston Turnpike

Shrewsbury, Ma 01545

Our Website

Top 5 Benefits of Home Exercise & Fitness

Study after study demonstrates the importance of exercise in living a healthy life. A good workout can keep your heart, joint, mind and waistline in great shape. Many people would love to work out more, but can’t find the time, don’t like their neighborhood gym or a variety of other reasons. One way to overcome some of the obstacles associated with working out is to exercise at home.


Have you been thinking about getting a home treadmill, recumbent exercise bicycle or even just some basic exercise gear? There are a number of reasons to exercise at home that this article will go over. Also, it’s important to remember that your home gym can be as grand or as simple as you wish. Some readers may be thinking about an entire exercise room with multiple cardio machines and free weights. Others may be thinking about a yoga mat and a medicine ball in their living room. This article applies to both situations and everything in-between.

1. Convenience
If your fitness space is in your own house, it's never too crowded, too far, or too dark to get a little exercise in. You never have to fight traffic or get a sitter if you are working out in your own home. Another great advantage of home workouts is that you can exercise at any hour of the day and never have to wait in line. While some gyms are open 24 hours, most do not accommodate light night energy bursts or holiday workouts.

2. Freedom
Another huge advantage of exercising in your own home is you set the rules. You can turn the music on as loud as you want or put the TV on any channel. You’re also able to watch workout videos to get extra instruction and motivation when working out. Additionally, most gyms have restrictions on bringing in a friend or a personal trainer that isn’t associated with the gym. Working out alone can be boring and less motivating, whereas having a buddy or trainer can keep you motivated and entertained.

3. Comfort
There’s no place like home. Whether people feel judged on their workout progress, overall look, sweat output or goofy workout clothes, a lot of people really don’t like working out in front of others. Others really like to work out to relieve stress and get away from everything. A crowded, stinky gym may not really be what you’re looking for. When working out at home, you can sweat and sing as much as you want! Not to mention, you can quickly jump in your own shower when you’re through. Say goodbye to awkward locker changing and forgetting your shampoo.

4. Save Money
Gym memberships range a great deal from city-to-city and gym-to-gym, but an average membership is usually around $35 a month plus an initiation fee. By exercising at home, you save $420 a year (excluding initiation fee) and $2100 over a 5 year period. Buying a bit of home workout equipment doesn’t look so bad anymore!


5. Climate Control
If you’ve ever been in a gym and thought, "that fan really could be spinning a bit faster" or if you’ve been on a January morning jog in your neighborhood and lost feeling in your toes, you can relate to this one. Working out at home allows you to control all the factors of your exercise space. Rain or shine, you can burn those calories!


About the Author: Fit Equipment Etc. is New England’s largest showroom of fitness equipment. Fit Equipment Etc also has a wide selection of work out equipment for sale online. Offering the best home treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, exercise gear and more, Fit Equipment Etc can supply you with everything you need to create your own home gym.