Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun. Show all posts

Rowbike 720 Sport Review

Rowbike 720 Sport
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Where to start...I'm 6'5" was 275 lbs and purchased a 726 King from Rowbike. Assembling the bike was no problem but I can follow instructions and mechanically minded. A cable adjuster was missing so I robbed one from an old motorcycle in the garage. Took about 20 minutes to feel comfortable riding it. The best advice is to be aware of how you move the handle bars...since you pull and steer with the handle bar, you must use equal pressure pulling back. Pull harder on one side and that's the direction your going. The website video's do a good job with learning to ride this machine.
This is a "workout" machine it will get you in shape and although I did not loose much weight, my waist got smaller. I would regularly ride 10 miles on a daily basis and averaged 10 mph. What's interesting about a Rowbike as oppose to a rowing machine, is feeling your muscles engage as you maintain balance. The outdoor aspect is a great plus for your workout. Overall quality of the structure is very good and explains the lifetime warranty for the Frame, Power Lever, and Fork. Where this machine falls short is the components i.e. rear gears, wheels, drive train, shifter, steering cabling.
The BAD. My machine came with a friction shifter the current machine comes with a Micro Shifter. For the uninitiated this sounds impressive but in reality its not. The gear set is lowest cost units available and can be found on the cheapest Chinese made bikes. Also my bike mechanic questioned the use of a derailleur (the device used to shift gears) because every power stroke pulls the derailleur forward, accelerating the wear on the spring. In addition the bearings used to support and slide the seat are made of plastic (required to reduce friction) and crack. Be prepared to purchase spares. As for the wheels, they are also bottom self units. The forward propulsion of this machine puts a LOT of torque on the rear wheel, the evidence for this is abnormal wear on one side of the rear tire. After breaking 3 spokes I upgraded the rear wheel from a 32 spoke aluminum to 36 spoke steel Rino Lite rim. No more broken spokes or warped wheel. Experienced 6 flats before I figured out the rubber ban used between the rim & the tube was over sized. Switched to rim tape & no more flats.
As relayed earlier I had a friction shifter and when I replaced the rear wheel I explored new gearing and shifter. Again I upgraded to a Shimano Delore 9 speed cassette with a Delore shifter. Although the overall gearing did not change, having the two additional gears smoothed the overall ride ability of the Rowbike. If you fall over while on this bike the seat will shear off its mounting brackets. If you ride over bumps you could (I did) bounce off the seat. Also be advised, in the low gear, the chain will rub the tire. And finally this bike requires constant minor maintenance. In comparing this to a regular bike, you must continually tighten the steering hub and make sure the cable adjustments are correct...pull on the power lever and have the handlebars swing hard into you, will flip you off the machine.
The GOOD. Customer support is the best. When you get a call from the owner of the company to check up on issues, its impressive. The seat was replaced with a more robust model, additional bearings were included. The D cam was replaced and they were ready to replace the power lever if I could not work out the D cam upgrade (stripped bolt threads)
SO IS A ROWBIKE worth the money. That depends...as its currently built the answer would be no. I spent an additional 300 dollars to get it to an acceptable mechanical level. 1500 dollars for a specialized exercise machine is tough to justify. Local bike shops are reluctant to work on it so good mechanical skills are needed to maintain it. The power train needs improvement and I've suggested a NuVinci CVT transmission as the answer to keeping the chain in a straight line (no wheel rubbing), with the additional benefit of a better gear ratio to help get the machine over hills. A wider and shaped handlebar would expand the upper body muscles employed. Better wheels to handle the torque. For the money spent you can purchase a mid level regular bike that is more useful and can achieve your exercise goals.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Rowbike 720 Sport

The world's first total-body, outdoor fitness machine was designed by entrepreneur Scott Olson, who also founded the first inline skating company that went on to become Rollerblade. ; Rowbike - "The Total Body Workout!" The patented Xertube offers progressive resistance levels for multiple uses and fitness levels. Allows for isolation of targeted muscle groups and full range of motion exercise. Video

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Rowbike 720 Sport

Everlast Freestanding Heavy Bag Review

Everlast Freestanding Heavy Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I had the same experience that the dude before experinced with the whole sliding around the carpet thing, but the screws on my bag are still going strong after hitting the bag everyday for months. I even took it apart to see if the screws were digging into the plastic & there were no signs of "digging," since there are rubber sleeves that go over the screws to help protect the plastic from any of that. As far as the performance of the bag....I love the whole spring action thing it's got. The workout you get on this bag is better than a regular freestanding bag due to the spring action. The combonations you can throw on this thing are phenomenal and you don't have to worry about it tipping over after your power punch. Nothing can beat a hanging bag, but this is the best alternative especially if you live in a small apartment or a dormitory like me.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Everlast Freestanding Heavy Bag

Ideal for use in the home, gym, school, or dojo, the Everlast freestanding heavy bag combines the world-renowned features of the Nevatear bags with a precisely engineered, reinforced, high-density LDPE base. As a result, the freestanding heavy bag is flexible, durable, and resilient, with a spring-action response to every punch or kick. The bag offers three height adjustments--from 52 to a full 70 inches--and holds up to 24 gallons of water (approximately 200 pounds) for extra sturdy use. Other details include a durable outer shell that stands up to a constant beating and a real-feel air foam chamber. There's no better way to get a professional boxing workout short of stepping into the ring.
About Everlast The name Everlast is synonymous with boxing. Renown internationally as a manufacturer of boxing equipment, Everlast started out as a swimwear manufacturer in 1910. Headquartered in the Bronx, NY, the company was founded by 17-year-old Jacob Golomb. The son of a tailor and an avid swimmer, Jacob Golomb was dissatisfied with the durability of swimsuits because they barely lasted a season, so he began making suits that he guaranteed would last for a full year. He proudly gave them the name, Everlast. Although the swimsuits did not last through the years, the name did.
Over the next years, Golomb expanded his company into a small retail store that carried a full line of sports equipment. In 1917, a young fighter named Jack Dempsey introduced boxing to Golomb and Everlast. Dempsey asked Golomb to construct protective headgear that would last more than 15 rounds of intensive boxing training. Golomb specially designed the training gear for Dempsey. In 1919, Dempsey won the world’s heavyweight championship wearing boxing gloves made for him by Golomb. Everlast became the headquarters for boxing equipment throughout the world. In 1925, Golomb designed elastic-waist trunks to replace the leather-belted trunks then worn by boxers. These trunks, now known as boxer trunks, immediately became famous. Jacob Golomb ran the business until he passed away in the early 1950’s and his son, Dan, took over. In 1958, Ben Nadorf joined Everlast and purchased 50% of the company from the Golomb family. When Dan Golomb passed away in 1995, Nadorf purchased the family’s remaining 50% interest. Nadorf remained the President and Principle Share Holder of Everlast until October 24, 2000.
Everlast men’s and women’s apparel and accessories continue today to be tremendously successful both inside and outside the ring. In addition, Everlast boxing trunks and equipment remain the proud and undefeated champion of the boxing industry for more than 90 years. The history continues, as the name states. Everlast has a traditional past and a knockout future.


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Everlast Freestanding Heavy Bag

Precor AMT100i Experience Series Adaptive Motion Trainer Review

Precor AMT100i Experience Series Adaptive Motion Trainer
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I took the plunge and bought this trainer for my home gym. I have tried numerous machines and found that most ellipticals have a few drawbacks. They are great for reducing impact, compared to a treadmill, but usually constrain movement to a fixed motion. Other than being able to vary the stride length a couple of inches on a few models, they all have exactly the same motion, over and over. It was difficult to find one that fit my gait, and at the same time be suitable for my wife who is only 5 feet tall. Actually impossible would be a better description.
This machine is unique, and should be in its own class of truly variable elliptical training. The stride can be ANYTHING you make it; from stepping to full running gait to a pedaling stride. It even allows a backward pedal stride if you want to really mix up the routine. The machine doesn't control the gait. YOU do, and you can vary it any time without touching any electronic controls. You'll need to try it to really understand.
We have over 20 machines in the home gym including a nice treadmill and stationary bike, but we just about need a sign up sheet for using the AMT in my house! We all like this machine. The price was steep, but this machine will get a lot of use, and the value we get from improved fitness is priceless. A cheaper machine that is more difficult to use was an option, but in the long run a more expensive machine that will actually get used is the better option.
The quality of the design and fabrication of the machine is excellent, and it should last for many, many years with only my family using it.
Very highly recommended!
A follow up after one full year of use: Every member of my family uses this elliptical trainer, so it has seen about 15-20 hours/week of use. It has been 100% reliable, and other than occasional cleaning has needed no maintenance. We remain completely satisfied with this elliptical trainer, and it remains our best investment in cardio training. The variable stride/gait of this machine allows virtually any user to get the most from this machine, and will allow you to work around soreness if necessary.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Precor AMT100i Experience Series Adaptive Motion Trainer

As versatile as the human body, the AMT100i from Precor allows you to instantly choose and change your stride motion and speed without pushing control buttons on the display, or waiting for the machine to respond. The commercial-oriented AMT meets your most demanding workout needs and provides a challenging alternative to any exerciser looking for variety and the chance to experience freedom of movement.

Adaptive motion: By allowing you to alter your motion at the slightest whim of your imagination, no two workouts have to feel the same. This keeps your mind engaged and your body torn between wanting to experiment with new movements and needing a second to catch your breath.
Stride Dial: Evolve each of your workouts with the knowledge that every time you observe the AMT's stride dial you'll be getting a crash course in learning about the muscles of your body and how they respond to different movements
Contralateral arm movement for natural motion: Arm and leg movements are coordinated, reflecting the way you naturally move through life.
Dual-plane resistance refines workload: A patented system that applies resistance to both horizontal and vertical planes of motion, adding yet another dimension for you to customize your workout.
0- to 27-inch stride length provides unlimited variation: Choose your movement and change it as often as your heart and mind desire. Adaptive motion helps create new possibilities and rewards.
Stride Dial tracks muscle engagement: Monitoring your motion in real-time, you get instant feedback on how your muscles respond to different movements.
Dual action provides both upper and lower body workout: Arms are engaged with pushing and pulling motion to provide the ultimate in total body engagement.
Bio-feedback center with SmartRate provides dedicated feedback on heart rate and calories. SmartRate shows your heart rate in relation to the target zone for weight loss and cardio training.
Numeric keypad makes data entry and Cardio Theater control easy
Tap Control provides satisfying tactile and audible click so you feel confident and safe operating the product
Heart rate monitoring and compatibility with heart rate telemetry reading using an optional chest strap
Accessory holders for water bottle, portable music, reading material and more
Two-step powder-coating process applies rust-resistant undercoat and cosmetic topcoat to steel frame
QuickStart lets you begin workout with the push of a single button
Enjoy integrated entertainment: An optional Cardio Theater personal viewing screen can be integrated into the console, providing you with entertainment options while keeping you moving in the correct biomechanic position.

Specifications:
Maximum stride length: 27 inches
Minimum stride length: Climber motion (0 inches)
Pedal dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 inches
Height of foot at highest position: 18.5 inches
Height of pedal at lowest position (step up): 5.5 inches
Maximum pause time: 30 seconds
Maximum workout time: 240 minutes
Maximum user weight: 350 pounds
Resistance levels: 1 to 20
Programs: Fat burner, heart rate control, interval, manual
Dimensions: 74 x 28 x 69 inches (L x W x H)
Weight: 445 pounds

Manufacturer's Warranty Frame - seven years, display face assembly - five years, parts - two years, labor - one year
Note on Assembly Precor highly recommends that you consider a professional assembly and installation of your Precor exercise machine. If you would like to speak to someone about having your machine professionally installed, please contact Precor at askprecor@precor.com or by calling 1-866-593-5568.
About Precor Precor is passionate about fitness. It all started with a desire to create a better kind of exercise equipment, one that mirrored human movement: fluid, natural, and dynamic. Twenty-six years later the company's biomechanics and engineering experience have led to countless innovations that have captivated fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Precor has introduced many "firsts" to the fitness industry, including the Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer (EFX®) in 1995 and the revolutionary, award-winning Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT®) in 2007. Today, Precor is a celebrated top-tier brand preferred by fitness enthusiasts of all abilities and their machines are used every day in health clubs, hotels, facilities, and homes worldwide.


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Precor AMT100i Experience Series Adaptive Motion Trainer

Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag Review

Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If your options are limited.
There's no replacement for a high quality banana bag but if you have no place to hang one or fear knocking the beams down from the ceiling in the garage, this is a really great option.
The bag itself is relatively light & a bit softer than I'd like it to be, but when the base is filled, it definitely stands up to whatever punishment you can dish at it. There is a bit of play (maybe an inch or so) which tends to loosen the more you kick or punch. (Though a quick twist of the bag on the base will eliminate the additional movement) That being said, here is a warning for you... If you like throwing elbows, either have a partner support the bag, or get in closer than you would a typical hanging bag. Reason being, if you stand too far out when you strike, the bag will move an inch or so away from you leaving a nice streak of skin from your now friction burned elbow. Knees are somewhat similar as well but without the burn. At the standard distance, you may as well throw knees at a curtain hanging in your hallway. In order to feel the bag, you'll need to get much closer which is a big awkward standing practically flush to the base. This could be detrimental to your training so it would be wise to grab a partner & hit the Thai pads so you get a little variation.
All in all, it does everything I need it to do. It tends to move all around the mats in my garage, even when completely filled but I don't really mind. Forces me to work the bag from all angles & whack it where I want it to go. I can practice all of my standard Muay Thai drills without a partner considering the fairly large surface area. Low kicks which you'd typically do w/ a partner holding a Leg Kick Pad, punches, elbows, knees, etc... Most importantly, I cannot kick it down. If you can kick this thing down, you should try out for the UFC or potentially as a Placekicker for the NFL. Better yet, go to the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin & blow away the competition by kicking trees down w/ your bare shins.
Suggestions: If they could build a non-slip base, eliminate the play & stiffen up the bag to simulate a heavy-bag feel, this would definitely be a true banana bag replacement...Regardless, there aren't any freestanding bags like this on the market & Amazon has the most competitive price with free shipping. Awesome...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag

Century's ultimate training bag, the Wavemaster XXL offers the largest kicking and punching surface on the market. The Wavemaster XXL stands 69 inches tall and measures a full 18 inches in diameter, giving you plenty of space to practice your martial arts technique. The striking surface is also high quality, with a durable vinyl cover sitting atop high-density foam. And thanks the low-profile base and ultra-stable weight distribution, this bag will hold up sturdily to your training routines. Built with an extra-large fill hole that accommodates either sand or water, the Wavemaster XXL weighs roughly 270 pounds when filled and assembles tool-free.
About Century Century began producing martial arts products in 1976, and today is recognized as the largest supplier of martial arts gear in the world. Currently located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, has expanded its product lines over the past 30 years to encompass boxing, media, yoga, and fitness products. The company employs a diversified group of professionals--many of whom are martial artists themselves--with the goal of helping every customer learn how martial arts can profoundly change lives.


Buy NowGet 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag

Extreme Balance Board Review

Extreme Balance Board
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My gym bought one of these and it has held up amazingly well for over three years. Granted, it's a boutique gym--not a 24 hour fitness; however, this board gets a ton of use. Almost every trainer works with it in some way. In fact, I was finally motivated to buy one of these myself because the one at our gym is almost always monopolized (and I wanted to practice on it out of public view...it takes a little while to get to the point where you're actually strong enough to balance and don't embarrass yourself by simply teetering safely from one side to the next).
My board arrived in good shape from Lifestyle Sports. The board itself is quite rugged. The wood is nice and thick--as are the rubber components. I use it for snowboard training, so I'm quite aggressive with it, but it's reassuringly strong. It's also just the perfect width for push-ups.
There are two wooden pegs that can be removed from two rubber rings to allow forward/backward movement. Beginners will want to work with the pegs installed, which restricts you to a simpler side-to-side movement. I would give this product 5 stars; however, the pegs occasionally pop out after several uses--causing a bit of a surprise. I feel this could be solved with a better design, but it is easily avoidable by checking the pegs before each use.
I would recommend this product to people interested in strengthening their ancillary muscles and improving balance. Obviously there are exercises you can do without this board to achieve the same goals, but the board is much more fun. If you are the type to buy an exercise gimmick and use it for a week before moving on, don't waste your money on this. However, if you want a solid balance board that will work with you for years to come, it's well worth the price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Extreme Balance Board

The only balance-fitness equipment in the world that features independent movement about three axes of balance, and three levels of difficulty.Example: Athletes engaging in sports from hockey to snowboarding to ballroom dancing, because of the constant changes of direction, need a keen sence of balance in order to avoid falling down at the slightest bump or collision or other unexpected turn of events. Balance, under such unstable environments, can be greatly improved when training with equipment such as the Extreme Balance BoardTM.The Extreme Balance Board has been used by such professionals as:Detroit Red Wings Seattle Supersonics the NBA Champion - Los Angeles Lakers U.S. National Ski and Snowboarding Team University Physiotherapy Departments Slovak Ice Hockey Federation Various Educational Institutions' Physical Education Programs

Buy NowGet 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Extreme Balance Board

Spy Optic Hielo Sunglasses Review

Spy Optic Hielo Sunglasses
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Not only did this ship out super fast but it was 1/2 the price of other stores. I recommend them big time!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Spy Optic Hielo Sunglasses

Made for the extremes and everything in between, the Hielo from Spy Optic will be there to suit your active lifestyle. Made with a durable propionate frame, this pair of sunglasses has 8-base curved lenses that are both Rx-able and completely UV protected, along with 8mm hinges for extra sturdiness.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Spy Optic Hielo Sunglasses

Parachute With Handles Review

Parachute With Handles
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This canopy is too small for the kids to enjoy. Items that you bounce on top fall off quickly and the canopy is not big enough for the kids to go under to make a mushroom. I only have 2 children and it was still too small. Get at least the next size up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Parachute With Handles

WE'VE RAISED THE STANDARDS! Our parachutes feature durable, patented, built-in handles that put less strain on the fabric resulting in less tearing.These quality nylon parachutes are a must for all physical education programs. Each parachute includes a storage bag.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Parachute With Handles

Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag Review

Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If your options are limited.
There's no replacement for a high quality banana bag but if you have no place to hang one or fear knocking the beams down from the ceiling in the garage, this is a really great option.
The bag itself is relatively light & a bit softer than I'd like it to be, but when the base is filled, it definitely stands up to whatever punishment you can dish at it. There is a bit of play (maybe an inch or so) which tends to loosen the more you kick or punch. (Though a quick twist of the bag on the base will eliminate the additional movement) That being said, here is a warning for you... If you like throwing elbows, either have a partner support the bag, or get in closer than you would a typical hanging bag. Reason being, if you stand too far out when you strike, the bag will move an inch or so away from you leaving a nice streak of skin from your now friction burned elbow. Knees are somewhat similar as well but without the burn. At the standard distance, you may as well throw knees at a curtain hanging in your hallway. In order to feel the bag, you'll need to get much closer which is a big awkward standing practically flush to the base. This could be detrimental to your training so it would be wise to grab a partner & hit the Thai pads so you get a little variation.
All in all, it does everything I need it to do. It tends to move all around the mats in my garage, even when completely filled but I don't really mind. Forces me to work the bag from all angles & whack it where I want it to go. I can practice all of my standard Muay Thai drills without a partner considering the fairly large surface area. Low kicks which you'd typically do w/ a partner holding a Leg Kick Pad, punches, elbows, knees, etc... Most importantly, I cannot kick it down. If you can kick this thing down, you should try out for the UFC or potentially as a Placekicker for the NFL. Better yet, go to the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin & blow away the competition by kicking trees down w/ your bare shins.
Suggestions: If they could build a non-slip base, eliminate the play & stiffen up the bag to simulate a heavy-bag feel, this would definitely be a true banana bag replacement...Regardless, there aren't any freestanding bags like this on the market & Amazon has the most competitive price with free shipping. Awesome...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag

Century's ultimate training bag, the Wavemaster XXL offers the largest kicking and punching surface on the market. The Wavemaster XXL stands 69 inches tall and measures a full 18 inches in diameter, giving you plenty of space to practice your martial arts technique. The striking surface is also high quality, with a durable vinyl cover sitting atop high-density foam. And thanks the low-profile base and ultra-stable weight distribution, this bag will hold up sturdily to your training routines. Built with an extra-large fill hole that accommodates either sand or water, the Wavemaster XXL weighs roughly 270 pounds when filled and assembles tool-free.
About Century Century began producing martial arts products in 1976, and today is recognized as the largest supplier of martial arts gear in the world. Currently located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, has expanded its product lines over the past 30 years to encompass boxing, media, yoga, and fitness products. The company employs a diversified group of professionals--many of whom are martial artists themselves--with the goal of helping every customer learn how martial arts can profoundly change lives.


Buy NowGet 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag

Gazelle Freestyle Review

Gazelle Freestyle
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
When I bought this product it was because I wanted a way to work out at home but i did not have enough money to buy an expensive tredmill or eliptical and thought this was a cheaper alternative. I was worried because I read a lot of online reviews that stated it was very hard to put together but I did not find that was the case I just dont think people realize it takes between 30 and 45 miniutes to assemble but the directions were easy to understand and I got it together with out any major problems.
I have also read reveiws that states that the machine is very squeeky which it is at times for me but if you just spray some DW 40 on it a little that seems to solve the problem.
I orginally wanted to use the machine while watching TV but I usually dont feel like I am getting much of a workout. My machine came with DVD's (I bought mine from HSN) and when I follow along with those I feel like I get a much better workout. Its good to watch them to at least see all of the diffrent execrcises you can do with this product.
The machine does fold up but it is not something that should be considered very portable. I thought I would be able to keep it in a closet and take it out every day but it is just to hard.
I am happy I bought this product it is easy to do and it very low impact. I would recommed it to others.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gazelle Freestyle

Offering 10 great exercises in a single easy-to-use machine, the Gazelle Freestyle burns calories, tones your muscles, and improves your cardiovascular endurance. The Freestyle is ideal for all fitness levels, with an unsurpassed range of motion that lets you go from a slow walk to a full run with no sudden stops, so you won't put undue pressure on your joints. The resulting aerobic workout will thus challenge you without sacrificing your knees. Details include an easy-to-use workout computer that delivers immediate feedback on speed, distance, time, and approximate calories burned; a built-in thumb pulse monitor for tracking your heart rate; extra-wide, non-skid foot platforms; a foldable footprint for easy storage; a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds; and a personal trainer video that puts you one-on-one with Tony Little.


Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Gazelle Freestyle