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The Sole F80 treadmill 2011 model is a folding home fitness machine that allows you to save space without compromising the effectiveness of a workout. It also packs in some feature upgrades to its 2009 edition. For instance, it now boasts of a larger LCD screen and longer running surface. But it still retains some features that make this unit popular among fitness enthusiasts.

Available are 6 pre-programmed workouts which provide your body varying challenges. There are 2 customizable programs that enable you to design your own challenges. What’s more, there are also 2 heart-rate control workouts. Such is done by means of either the wireless heart rate monitor or hand-pulse grips with sensors.

The Sole F80 now has a larger blue-backlit LCD display measuring 7.5 inches. Such makes it easier for you to operate the treadmill – from using various functions to going through the workout programs. A scrolling message board provides instructions and feedback before, during and after your workout sessions.

Within the machine is a high-torque 3.0 horsepower continuous duty motor. The flywheel used is heavier than most other similar fitness equipment within the same price range, for a safer and more stable workout. The entire machine measures 80 inches wide and 33 inches long. Thanks to the Easy Assist feature, folding it is a snap to save precious space.

Longer running surface means it can accommodate runners of varying heights and speeds. What was once only 55 inches long now is impressively 60 inches long. More importantly, it has a Cushion Flex Deck which provides low-impact workout. With such, your feet, ankles, knees, hips and spine can receive up to 36 percent lower impact.

Keeping boredom at bay is the integrated sound system where you can plug in your MP3 player and listen to audio tracks. Preventing you from overheating are the 2 built-in cooling fans and 2 water bottle holders. The Sole F80, for its price and size, makes for an effective home fitness machine with all the convenient features it possesses.

If you’re someone who likes the idea of exercise and getting fit but you don’t want the hassle of having to travel to a gym, why not consider setting up a home gym? These can be a great alternative to the real thing, giving you space to work out and the convenience of it being in your house. In terms of equipment, one thing that’s always a good buy is a punching bag. Not just ideal for taking out your frustrations, they’re also good for improving your arm strength.

Rowing machines are also great for using in a home gym and they give you a fantastic all-over workout. Use them safely and avoid injury but not rowing too vigorously and by not locking your knees when you’re using it. Rowing machines help you build up your strength and improve your endurance. They do this while working the muscles in your abdomen, arms and legs. You can set yourself challenges by altering the difficulty of the machine depending on your ability.

Whether you’re on a budget or looking to spend a bit of cash, a treadmill is a good investment for any home gym. They’re really good for warming up your muscles at the start of a workout and you can choose one that offers a range of speeds and even inclines if you want to vary the challenges and difficulty level. There are even some that let you plug in your MP3 player. Alternatively, there are some good cheaper options available that use your power alone to start it running.

If you like the idea of building up your muscle strength and working your whole body at the same time, then getting a cross trainer for your home gym might be a good idea. These work off your power alone, although there are more sophisticated versions available that allow you to set the level of difficulty. They work the muscles in your arms and legs, stretching them out. A session on a cross trainer is a mini workout in itself and so is great if you’re short of time.

One final item of equipment that should be part of every home gym is a set of weights. You can choose options to suit your size and strength. There are loads to choose from – you can pick weights that solely work your arm muscles, such as dumbbells that you hold in one hand, or weight machines that give your whole upper body a workout. The fact that there are so many options available make them ideal for everyone and you can have a range of weights for different workout purposes.

Plyometrics workout routines require a specialized plyometrics mat. Any other ordinary or old exercise mat is not appropriate and not suited. This type of mat is specially made to take care of the health condition of your ankles, knees, hips and feet. The P90X Plyometrics Mat is made just for this main function of protection.

Any other exercise mats maybe good for other exercise routines but the with the high-impact plyometric exercises, definitely it cannot give the utmost protection that is needed during this powerful exercise. Conceptualized and manufactured by one of the leading fitness equipment and accessory producer know as P90X, this powerful mat surely can deliver. Designed for good performance, safety, longevity and comfort, it is regarded as a perfect pad to land on from that high impact jumping exercises. There is no doubt that this is one of the best exercise mats for you.

To prove that it is one of the best mats there is, its special features discussed in details below will give you more idea of what this powerful and specialized plyometric mat can do:

1.This P90X mat features a non-stick grip. Even with so much perspiration on the mat it is also slip resistant. With this feature you are assured of a 100% precise and safe landing.

2.The plyometric mat’s surfaces can be both used. It can even be used with your other exercise routines and fitness program depending on your specific needs. You will not waste your money with this accessory, unlike the other regular mats dual surface usage is tantamount to making the life of your plyometric mat double.

3.Because it is designed for extra high impact exercises, this P90X mat is especially designed with extra thickness for cushion and protection to support your spine, knees, elbows and hip bones during your plyometric exercises or even other exercises involving these body parts.

4.This mat exhibits superior construction to stand high impact activities. With material especially chosen to stand these activities, you are guaranteed that your P90X mat will last for a long time.

5.Because of its superb performance and had proven its usefulness in the plyometrics routines, Tony Horton, a fitness guru even endorsed this product to all exercise aficionados. That goes to show how reliable this particular fitness buddy is.

6.Finally, this mat ha a larger dimensions as compared to the ordinary fitness mats. This is to ensure maximum or greatest landing contact.

Definitely, P90X had discovered the key to a shock-absorbing and comfortable mat coupled with high quality. If you are into plyometrics routines, it is time to replace that old mat with a P90X one. With the above mentioned features, it is no doubt that you will be enticed to purchase one, especially upon seeing number 5!

Weight loss, not baseball, should be America’s national pastime.  Unfortunately, that’s not the case, as a quick trip to the mall, or a drive down any street will tell you.  Americans just keep getting fatter and fatter on average.  On TV and in the movies, of course, this isn’t the case – TV and movie stars are much thinner and fitter than the average American.  Even the people in the ads for fast food and soda pop are skinny!  Next time you stop for a hamburger at one of the national fast food chains, look around you and see how many of your fellow customers resemble the people in the ads for the chain.  It won’t be very many.  America is rapidly becoming the Land of the Couch Potato and the Home of the Morbidly Obese.  Of course, millions of Americans are going to “do something” about being overweight.  And what does “do something” mean for many of them?  Making a New Year’s resolution to lose weight.

Every January 1st, there is a huge spike in interest in losing weight.  The sales of weight loss products and fitness equipment goes up.  Gyms and health clubs sell more memberships.  People do more searches for “lose weight” and “weight loss” in the first couple weeks of January than any other time of the year. Books about losing weight are brisk sellers both online and in brick and mortar book stores.   If January 1st, 2011, would be the first time this phenomenon occurred, it would be cause for hope, signifying that people are fed up with being fat, and are finally going to do something about it.  Of course, that’s not the case at all.  This has been happening for decades, and Americans just keep getting fatter and fatter.

So what’s the answer?  Who knows?  But one thing we do know is that New Year’s resolutions to lose weight are most definitely not the answer.  For all our good intentions at the turn of the calendar page, few of us seem to make any real progress toward losing weight when we start on January 1st.  So this year (and every year from now on), why don’t we try something different?  Different, as in not waiting until January 1st to start getting in shape and losing weight, just because it’s the trendy thing to do to make a New Year’s resolution.  Instead, why not start getting in shape and doing what it takes to lose weight right now, no matter what day you’re reading this?  And then, come next New Year’s Day, instead of making a resolution that you know in your heart you probably won’t keep, you can celebrate all the weight you actually did lose in the previous year.  

With the prices of treadmills falling all the time, it’s no wonder more and more people are buying treadmills and other fitness equipment for their homes. After all, it’s a one-time expense compared to ongoing gym fees.

If you’re in the market for a treadmill, Yowza Fitness is one treadmill vendor to check out.

This article reviews the Keewadin Folding Treadmill by Yowza Fitness.

How Much Running Space?

Run with a long gait on the 60 inch-long running surface. It’s has ample width at 20 inches wide.

Motor Power

The Keewadin Treadmill is outfitted with a 3.0 horsepower continuous duty motor designed for long workouts.

Low Impact Cushioning

Yowza incorporates some decent low-impact cushioning features in the Keewadin Treadmill. The running deck floats – sitting on elastomer rings cushioning your impact.

Speed Range

Walk from.5 mph to full-out sprinting at 11 miles per hour.

Incline Range

Intensify your workouts with the incline option from 0 to 12 percent.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Easily monitor your heart rate with top heart rate technology included in this treadmill. You can use the grip sensors or the wireless hear rate monitoring option (my preferred heart rate monitoring technology).

When you use grip sensors, your workout is not as intense, and in fact, is not replicating running outside. That’s why wireless heart rate monitors are so useful – you don’t have to bother with hanging on grip sensors throughout your workout.

How Much Weight Can the Keewadin Handle?

This is where the rubber meets the road… the Keewadin can accommodate 350 pound users. This is an impressive figure and is a testament to the quality and strength of the Keewadin frame, motor, and running deck.