Time Out for Turkey!!

Let the countdown begin...

Just about two weeks away from Thanksgiving, or as I like to call it, the most amazing food fest/cheat day of the year!

A time to get together with family and friends, and celebrate all that we are truly thankful for.  So please explain to me how it always revolves around food?  I know it sounds funny, I mean I truly enjoy the turkey and all the fix-ins, however, I am left thinking how did this holiday really translate to food.

People who try so hard to eat well and exercise live a healthy lifestyle most days, but Thanksgiving..well that is the best cheat day of the year!  I mean who the heck "diets" during Thanksgiving?  Does that even make sense? As Chris Berman would say, "Come on Man!" It is not possible!  Dieting should be against the law on this holiday.  

I think everyone should get a free pass, in fact I will declare it right now! YOU! Yes, you! The person reading this.. I give you permission to enjoy your family, friends, and eat whatever you want on Thanksgiving!  However, there is a catch.  You have to get back on track the day after! Thanksgiving is ONE day.  Not Thursday-Sunday.  Nope!  So let's make a deal! You work hard to stay fit, eat well, exercise?  You owe yourself a "day off" to be thankful for all that you have.  If you don't live a healthy lifestyle, well, perhaps it is time to use this as your wake up call.  Start! One day at a time! 

If everyone took time out to celebrate themselves, we may have more positive and happy people around.  The world could be a better place! Now how about we commit to living a healthier lifestyle.  Not just for ourselves, but for those around us. The "trickle down" effect can be huge!  Spreading to family and friends in a very good way!

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed.  They are meant to be a happy occasion.  If you are not happy with yourselves, how can you enjoy this time, or anyone around you?  Think about it!  Deep thoughts with Laurie.

May you find peace, and be thankful for all that you have today!  For living your best life is the best gift you can give yourself!  Happy Thanksgiving All!

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!

Halloween....Tricks, Treats and MORE Treats!

It's that time of year again!

HALLOWEEN!

Candy and more candy!  A festive time of year, the start of the “Holiday Season”.

If we are not careful, it all can go downhill starting now!

Halloween leads to Thanksgiving, which in turn leads to Christmas and the New Year.  Yes, “resolution” time!  However, if you take time to get a handle on things, you can “keep calm and carry on”.

It is important to live life and enjoy it!  Just try to keep your healthy habits in perspective!  Stay to the diet best you can during the week, and allow that Halloween party (candy and all) and other fun times in check!

Exercise!  This is crucial.  If you want to play you have to pay.  So have a good attitude about it!  Make sure you have a realistic routine.  A back up piece of equipment is important to have in your home.  If you have one, make sure it is in working order BEFORE the cold weather hits.  If not, maybe consider investing in a newer piece with a full warranty.

The gym is great! If you have a membership, it is important to use it.  However, we all know what happens in January!  All the “newbies” coming in for their resolutions.  How to beat the frustration of that time of year?  How about adding some free weights, resistance bands, dumb bells or many other items to make an inexpensive home gym of your own at home?  A go to piece of cardio at home, like a treadmill, elliptical or bike?

Well we have you covered!  Come on down to visit us at Fit Equipment in person for demos, give us a call or check us out online at Fit Equipment ETC!!

We have what you are looking for!

About the Author: Laurie is a Certified Personal Trainer at Fit Equipment.  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.

Let's Talk Spin!

Spin Bikes, how much fun are they?

The craze has been around for a few years now, and people STILL love to do it!

Spinning can be an incredible workout, depending on how much YOU decide to put into it.  Like anything else, you can go easy, or go hard, or just go home!

The Spin Bike was designed to be as close to a real cyclist bike as you can get, without leaving your living room or class.  The seat design is an exact replica of your cyclist bike.  So comfort is not it's strong point, however the ability to get in and out of the "saddle" makes it a true workout!  With the turn of a knob, the resistance is increased or decreased to work in the level you decide.  With a strong work ethic, you can easily expend 500 calories in a half hour session!  Need some more convincing?

The top ten reasons to spin:

#1 Spinning workouts can improve your body’s fat burning capability.
#2 Spinning workouts can help you build lean muscle groups.
#3 Improved cardio endurance is the key benefit of spinning workouts.
#4 Spinning workouts can improve posture.
#5 Performing exercises with a spinning bike could target multiple muscles at a time.
#6 Spinning workouts can supercharge your over-all level of fitness.
#7 Spinning workouts can be one of your most beneficial workouts.
#8 Spinning workouts are low impact on your joints.
#9 Spinning uses large muscular tissues in your hip and legs.
#10 Spinning workouts can track miles, calories and time. (with added computers)

      Here at Fit Equipment Etc, we offer Spin Bikes from different manufacturers.  Whether you decide to   go with the original and creator of  Spin, Johnny G spinners, Waters Spin, (uses a belt instead of                     chain, so it is very quiet), Body Solid, Schwinn, Spirit, and Xterra.  We got them all!

     So check out our website, www.fitnessequipmentestore.com or come down for a demo workout at our   store location, 243 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, Ma  01545.  Any questions, feel free to call us at 508-756-6774!

Now let's get spinning!

KEEPING IT POSITIVE!!!

Let's talk about being POSITIVE!

Ever here the terms "Negative Nellies/Normans", "Debbie/Donnie Downers"??

It is true!  So many people tend to focus on the "negatives" instead of the "POSITIVES".  

Why is that?  Maybe if we just take a minute to stop, and change our mindsets to something that makes us feel happy, and not let the little things get us down.  Do people realize that NO ONE really wants to hear you?  Maybe go take that workout you have been putting off, and use it to let off some steam?  Before you take your bad day home with you, take a moment to change your head, and make a positive change!  

I myself find exercise a way to "release" the worries/troubles/frustrations, anything negative, and change focus and attitude. It can be as simple as taking a walk listening to your favorite artist.  You know, that song that makes you smile, makes you want to be in your happy place!  It is amazing how quickly you can turn your day around!  

Nowadays, social media can be something!  Reading status updates all day long, makes us wonder how people deal with things.  It is funny.  Either you have someone who just feels the need to complain with every post, or someone who wants to keep you motivated and smiling.  I vote for the latter!  I love to see people happy, a funny joke, a light-hearted story.  

I think positive thoughts bring about positive results!  So if you have been focusing too much on the negative, take this blog to make you "re-think" your attitude!  

Go do something that makes you smile!  The joy you feel is infectious! It will bring happiness to all that surround you.  If everyone takes time out to do something to make someone smile, this world will be a better place!

In the words of the famous, and very talented Bob Marley, "Don't worry, 'bout a thing, 'cause every little thing..gonna be alright".

Peace!

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!

Inversion Tables..Shall we Stretch?

Inversion Tables...

Inversion tables have been around for quite some time, and some people swear by them.

They have helped people with back and neck issues.  Recommended by many Chiropractors, and Doctors alike, but are they worth the investment?

Well, let's run down some quick facts and try to help answer that question.


Inversion tables are designed to use gravity to relieve some of the pressure on the spine, which becomes compressed over time. The theory of inversion table use is that hanging upside down or at an angle where your head is lower than your feet will decompress the spine, which should relieve the pressure and pain

Some benefits in addition to back and neck pain are, joint pressure relief, improvements to your lymphatic system, increased blood circulation to the organs, and to even help maintain your height!  Yes, we do shrink up to 3/4 of an inch from morning until night because of gravity weighing on our spine daily!

It has been a great stress relief product for some.  They say it helps them "clear their heads" literally, and figuratively!  The blood flow to the head is a rush to say the least, and can impact people differently.

Inversion also helps provide care and blood flow to the discs, help achieve  functional fitness, flexibility, train core muscle groups without loading the spine, recover from high impact  workouts, and speed recovery time,  reduces pain in  overworked muscles, helps to  strengthen ligaments, helps provide balance training, and for therapy and depression.

As with any exercise program, I suggest you check with you doctor prior to investing.  If you have some health issues like hypertension, glaucoma, or heart disease, it could not be the product for you.

Teeter hang ups have been around for over 30 years, and are constantly updating their technology to make a reputable product. 

With many models and price ranges to choose from, do the research to make the right decision. 

I recommend trying them first, so come on down to Fit Equipment Etc and take a free demo 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.

Ready to Tailor Your Birthday Suit?

That is the question!

After a long winter, a very long winter, it is time to think spring!

It seems that our birthday suits need to be re-sized at this point.

Spring is a great time to get back into a routine.  The days are longer, weather gets warmer, and the idea of summer is on our minds.

Cardio and diet are great ways to lose a couple of sizes.  But don't forget that free weights are an important part of that program.

So if you can't get outside, or to the gym invest in some quality equipment for your home!

We have it all!

From the smallest accessories, to full commerical cardio and free weight equipment!

Check us out at http://www.fitnessequipmentestore.com

Happy Spring!

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!

Will Spring Ever Come to New England?

Spring, is this season just a myth?

Summer, flies by in a blink. Fall, shows up for a couple weeks, feels like summer in the beginning, and then snows by Halloween. Winter. WINTER goes on forever and ever! For example, It's mid March with April knocking on our door. Technically, Spring has almost arrived, by the calendar only!

Still not warm enough to take that workout routine outside. So what does that mean for us? Well, we are still hitting the gyms and home workout routines best we can, but something is missing. That feeling you get when you can take that walk outside! The longer days, the warmer weather, the flowers and buds on the trees. Hello? Has anyone seen them? I mean, I see sand, salt and dirty roads. I see snow, but no grass, it is very hard to stay motivated. I mean come on, we are 3 months away from bikini season? Are you ready? (And no guys, I am not talking to you!) How do we keep it together without losing it all completely?

First idea, book a trip and head to warmer weather! If you can't do that, then get some vitamin D the natural way! It will help believe me. Then, revamp your workout routine. It is time to change it up, and try new things to inspire you to launch into the spring/summer season.

Group classes, hire a trainer, invest in a quality treadmill, elliptical or gym for your home. Think about how you can invest in yourself, by investing in your health. That's my motto, and the one I stick by!

So hang in there, eventually this long winter will turn to spring. Well for maybe a week, then turn to summer, but whatever the case, you will be ready for it!

This has been your "inspiration" to do so..

You are welcome!

If you need more, come visit us at Fit Equipment Etc, 243 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA!

You will be glad you did!

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!

Balls to the Walls!

Really?

Yep. Let's talk balls!

Now stay with me, we are talking about balls to use in our fitness routines.

All kinds of balls. Large, small, hard, soft, weighted, and inflated. I kid you not!

You still with me?

Slam balls are weighted balls, larger in size, made to be slammed against the walls, or floor. Used in cross fit, and boot camps world wide! Varying in weights from 4-20 lbs, they are very durable! Dynamax and Troy make fantastic versions of slam balls.

Medicine Balls are also weighted balls, resembling basketballs. Used in many exercises from squats, to thrusts, and abdominal work. Also varying in weights and sizes, from 4-25 lbs. Cap and Valeo are a few manufacturers.

Body Balls, also called Stability Balls are very popular as well. These can be used in place of chairs, or even benches! Planking on body balls requires core strength and balance. Add dumb bells to these exercises and you have yourself a workout! Sold in various sizes to accommodate different heights. 55cm (from 4'8"-5'3"), 65cm (5'4-5'10"") and 75cm (5'10"-6'4").

Soft Mini Xerball (Weighted Balls) are soft, weighted mini medicine balls. They provide a unique strength conditioning alternative. Durable, 4-inch sand filled balls fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Also vary in weight, from 4-8 lbs. Spri is a manufacturer of these products.

And there you have it folks! For all your fitness ball needs, check out our website store, or come on down to Fit Equipment Etc. We got you covered!

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!

Let's Talk Spin!

Spin Bikes, how much fun are they?

The craze has been around for a couple years now, and people STILL love to do it!

Spinning can be an incredible workout, depending on how much YOU decide to put into it. Like anything else, you can go easy, or go hard, or just go home!

The Spin Bike was designed to be as close to a real cyclist bike as you can get, without leaving your living room or class. The seat design is an exact replica of your cyclist bike. So comfort is not it's strong point, however the ability to get in and out of the "saddle" makes it a true workout! With the turn of a knob, the resistance is increased or decreased to work in the level you decide. With a strong work ethic, you can easily expend 500 calories in a half hour session! Need some more convincing?

The top ten reasons to spin:

#1 Spinning workouts can improve your body’s fat burning capability.
#2 Spinning workouts can help you build lean muscle groups.
#3 Improved cardio endurance is the key benefit of spinning workouts.
#4 Spinning workouts can improve posture.
#5 Performing exercises with a spinning bike could target multiple muscles at a time.
#6 Spinning workouts can supercharge your over-all level of fitness.
#7 Spinning workouts can be one of your most beneficial workouts.
#8 Spinning workouts are low impact on your joints.
#9 Spinning uses large muscular tissues in your hip and legs.
#10 Spinning workouts can track miles, calories and time. (with added computers)

Here at Fit Equipment Etc, we offer Spin Bikes from different manufacturers. Whether you decide to go with the original and creator of Spin, Johnny G spinners, Waters Spin, (uses a belt instead of chain, so it is very quiet), Body Solid, Schwinn, Spirit, and Xterra. We got them all!

So check out our website, http://www.fitnessequipmentestore.com or come down for a demo workout at our store location, 243 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, Ma 01545. Any questions, feel free to call us at 508-756-6774!

Now let's get spinning!

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!

Get A Small Behind For Your Valentine!

   Ok Ladies, (and gents) Let's talk about the largest muscle in  your body!

   Known by many names; Gluteus Maximus, Glutes, buttocks,  butt, derriere, tushy, the junk trunk,    really I can go on all day!

How to get that booty in shape so it is noticed? And I don't mean because it walks in the door 10 minutes after you do, or requires double door openings. I mean, how do we get it to be in a shape that we can love and appreciate? HARD WORK PEOPLE!

But, (see what I did there) with dedication and a few exercises, we can get you to love your "rump" so much more!

Where to start? How about squats? The best exercise to work this area. Using free weights, dumb bells, kettle bells, bars, and bands. Use a rack or without, up to you! At the gym, or at home, you can work it as hard as you want to. Lunges, also are a fantastic exercise to strengthen and tone. Walking or stationery, it is a killer if your form is correct!

Use a body ball, or stability ball for hamstring curls, or even wall squats.

We can not forget the "elephant" in the room, that of course being DIET. Your eating habits are crucial to achieving success!

Give yourself two weeks, TWO WEEKS to see a big difference! I promise, you will love your new buttocks, and so will your Valentine!

Happy Valentines Day from all of us a Fit Equipment Etc!

About the Author: Laurie is a Certified Personal Trainer at Fit Equipment. 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.

I Love Working With Dumb Bells All Day!

Now this can be taken a couple ways, and they all apply to me!

Dumb bells are an important part of my routine. I just love the guys I work with!

NO...I don't mean them, I do mean in training. And YES, they are a great part of the workout!

There are so many shapes and styles to choose from. Hexagon, round, square, which shape? Cast iron, rubber coated, neoprene, vinyl, which material? Should you buy sets, or invest in the dumb bell select systems? Well we have a bunch to choose from there too. Bow flex, Power Blocks, Iron Master and Rocket Lock just to name a few. Is it really this difficult of a decision?

Well no. Actually, you need to find out what is most comfortable for you. You need to take a few things into consideration. How much space do you have? You may need a rack to keep all the dumb bells off your floor and save your family from toe injuries. If space is an issue, then I suggest a selectorized dumb bell system. I have the Power Block system, and it is great for travel and a space saver for sure!

The contour of the handles, how do they feel when you hold them? Like the look of cast iron, or chrome? We are here to help you decide what you may require or need. Budget friendly as well, cast iron is the cheaper alternative. Rubber coating over cast iron can be a bit more pricey due to the cost of rubber increasing, so that may play a factor as well. Once all these factors are taken into consideration, you can best make a purchase based on your needs and wants.

The use of dumb bells is crucial to improving strength in each arm independently. We all have a more dominant side, training with dumb bells help the "weaker" side keep up with the more prominent. It is a proven fact! You can also challenge yourself with different weights for different exercises per body part. In conclusion, dumb bells are a great little investment to make any home gym more complete! Easy to use, convenient, versatile and really budget friendly! So come on down to Fit Equipment Etc. and let us help you!

About the Author: Laurie is a Certified Personal Trainer at Fit Equipment.  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.