The Ultimate 2 is the best-selling and most complete Bowflex home gym available. It’s also the most expensive — but you get what you pay for. This is a total-body solution that delivers everything you could possibly imagine in a home fitness system.

One of the criticisms of Power Rod Resistance technology is the need to frequently change cables to adjust resistance levels. The Ultimate 2 is considered a “health club alternative gym” and allows you to perform over 95 exercises without changing a single cable.

With gym memberships costing as much as $100/month, an investment in owning a premium Bowflex home gym is worth considering. The 12 year warranty guarantees it will pay for itself over time.

A quick reference fitness poster and workout DVD with a 20-minute exercise routine designed specifically for the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym are included.

Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym Product Details

• No-Change Cable Pulley System
• 310lbs of Power Rod Resistance
• Lat Tower with Angled Lat Bar
• Leg Extension/Leg Curl Station
• Rowing Machine
• Integrated Squat Station
• Preacher Curl Attachment

Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gyms on eBay

• Click here to get the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym on Amazon
• The Ultimate 2 Home Gym for $38/month when purchased directty from Bowlex

GymAmerica provides a comprehensive step-by-step blueprint for becoming fitter, leaner and stronger. It’s been lauded by ESPN Magazine as “Top Notch” and won Forbes Magazine’s “Best of Web” award for physical fitness.

The web-based system includes personalized health and fitness programs designed to tailor workout routines and diet plans to your individual needs.

Customized Workouts
The interactive software delivers a workout routine designed specifically to match your goals, ability, age, gender and experience level. The intelligent system uses your results to adjust your program and guide you toward your fitness goals.

Customized Diet Plans
The diet system offers a variety of plans customized to conform to your unique basal metobolic rate (BMR), goals, activity level and lifestyle. The software’s artificial intelligence uses your results to refine your BMR and better help you reach your ideal weight.

The intuitive interactive interface makes workout modification a snap and is visually enhanced with over 150 animated exercise demonstrations, multiple graphs and personal strength goals and stats.

Gym America offers a free 10 days trial.

Click here for more information on GymAmerica

The Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench helps develop essential core strength, upper and lower abs and powerful back muscles. The incline is easily adjustable to allow a quick increase or decrease in workout intensity. The four crunch positions range from fully flat to a 30 degree decline.

In addition to ab workouts The Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench can be used to support elbows while doing bicep curls with free weights. You can also work lower back muscles with standing hyper-extension exercises.

Thigh support can be adjusted to fit a user’s leg length. Comfortable foam rollers hold ankles firmly in place during ab crunches and high-density foam pads provide comfort for back, buttocks and elbows.

The bench is relatively light but very sturdy and does not rock or tip during workouts. The frame is made of heavy duty 2-inch steel. Assembly is not complicated.

Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench Product Details

• Work core, abs and back muscles
• Thickly padded with durable stitched vinyl upholstery
• Easy to reach extended hand grips
• Adjustable non-slip footrest, backrest, and thigh support to accommodate height and workout intensity
• Pivoting foam rollers hold lower leg in place for hyperextension exercises, and feet in place for crunches
• Folds down to approx. 33 x 17 3/4 x 7 1/4″ for easy storage

The Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench on eBay

• Click here to get the Stamina Ab / Hyper Bench on Amazon

The Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher helps relieve back pain caused by tight muscles, excessive joint bending and poor spinal alignment. When used in short intervals it will improve your posture and range of motion, as the level of arch is gradually increased. It includes three adjustable levels.

The first few sessions may feel a bit unusual or uncomfortable. It’s recommended that you start at the lowest level for 5 minutes, twice a day. Once you allow yourself to relax the device becomes very effective, providing pain relief and restoring the natural curvature of the spine.

The Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher is a convenient and easy-to-use treatment and preventative care product and should be be incorporated into your daily routine to achieve maximum results. It provides a good long-term solution for back health as your lumbar area will become more limber with repeated use.

Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher Product Details

• Endorsed and recommended by chiropractors, physicians, therapists and trainers
• Relieves back pain, improves posture and increases flexibility
• Restores natural curvature of the spine
• Adjustable to three levels for maximum stretch
• Lightweight and packs flat — great for travel

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here to get the Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher on Amazon

As the bestselling Total Trainer on Amazon.com the 4000XL from Bayou Fitness represents the best bang for the buck in a fully loaded multi-station gym.

The first thing you’ll notice is the deluxe double-stitched black leather textured cushion splashed with a bold patriotic red, white and blue logo. The Total Trainer 4000XL comes fully assembled so you’ll be working out within minutes.

The Speed Tuff roller system supports 385 pounds and features 11 levels of resistance, allowing you to lift between 4% and 69% of your body weight. The longer than standard 46” glide board adds comfort and supports users as tall as 6’7”.

The Total Trainer 4000XL delivers an exceptionally smooth ride that exceeds that of comparable resistance gyms in this price range. It folds and rolls for easy storage and includes a free strength training DVD, 4 program cards and instruction manual.

Total Trainer 4000XL Product Details

• 11 Levels of Resistance
• Bicep Curl Press Bar
• Power Weight Bar for Adding Free Weights
• Pull-up Push-up Bar
• Sit-up Cuff Strap
• Heavy Duty Squat Board
• Independent Twin Handles
• Dual Leg Cuffs
• 14″ x 46″ Glide Board 
• Strength Training DVD

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here to get the Total Trainer 4000XL on Amazon
• Discover more stength training machines at the Bayou Fitness eBay store

Rowing machines provide an efficient full body workout by incorporating a constant, fluid aerobic movement that doesn’t abuse the joints and muscles. The BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine mimics the smooth motion of rowing on water as the contoured ergonomic seat glides along a precision ball bearing roller system.

There are six easy to adjust resistance levels to accommodate any fitness level. The multifunctional fitness monitor tracks speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned. However, unlike most computer enhanced exercise machines there are no preprogrammed workouts. A Polar heart rate monitor receiver is included.

The durable aircraft-grade aluminum and steel frame are complimented by quiet, smooth operation and a perfectly positioned built in fan to keep you cool. The sturdy build and 44 inches of travel from the pedals accommodate even the tallest users and weights of up to 250 pounds. The machine folds up easily when not in use and stores vertically in only 16″ x 24″ of space.

The BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine is a step down from commercial grade rowers you might see at the local gym. But the quality design and home user experience won it the Consumer Guide Best Buy award in this price range.

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine Product Details

• Contoured, ergonomic seat glides along precision bearing rollers
• Utilizes both air resistance and magnetic resistance
• Adjustable console includes built-in Polar Heart Rate Monitor receiver
• Lightweight, rubber coated aluminum handle
• Console displays speed, distance, time, stroke count, and calories burned
• Compact design. Folds for storage into a 16” x 24” space

BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machines on eBay

• Click here to get the BodyCraft VR100 Rowing Machine on Amazon
• See all Rowing Machines currently on eBay

There’s a fitness revolution underway. Technologically advanced exercise gadgets and equipment innovations are transforming not only how we exercise, but how we stay motivated to exercise.

The Wii Fit, at the forefront of this movement, has gained massive media attention. But there are many other new gadgets and exercise equipment advances that will keep you fired up about fitness.

Hear How You Run

Two of the most recognizable and successful brands in America, Nike and Apple have collaborated to develop a cutting edge fitness innovation.

The Nike + iPod Sport Kit monitors your running experience by transmitting data through a wireless connection between your Nike shoe and your iPod nano.

The microchip tracks speed, distance, time, and calories burned while real-time spoken feedback announces milestones throughout your workout .

The PowerSongs option integrates your favorite iTunes selections.

The kit works with the iPod nano 1G, 2G and 3G and any Nike+ shoe.

• Futuristic Factor: *****
• Fun Factor: ****
• Fitness Factor: ****

How does it work? Click here to see the Apple FAQ.

More info on Nike + iPod Sport Kit

Virtual Reality Enhanced Cycling Systems

Although The Expresso Upright Stationary Bike is designed for commercial fitness clubs (you can’t afford it), the cool factor merits a mention.

This futuristic system engages not just the muscles but also the mind by fusing exertainment with web-based personalization.

Imagine playing a visually stunning video game, but instead of planted on the sofa with a game pad, you’re actually riding a top-of-the-line recumbent or upright stationary bike.

The handlebars move for realistic steering as you pedal and compete on an interactive course, creating the immersive illusion of being on the open road.

The web based high-res screen delivers personalized, real time fitness information. You can set goals, track progress and log data online, taking your workout places it’s never been.

• Futuristic Factor: *****
• Fun Factor: *****
• Fitness Factor: *****

Check out the Expresso demonstration video.

For more affordable options see the Cateye line of Game Bikes.
Read the rest of this entry »

We chose to cover and recommend this bike because it’s rare that equipment in this price range doesn’t skimp on what we consider essential features.

The Stamina 15-0200 InTone achieves it’s main purpose – a folding, space saving design — but doesn’t leave out important extras like resistance level controls, an LCD monitor, speed, distance, and calorie tracking, and a comfortable seat and seat back. Stamina equipment is highly regarded for it’s affordability and customer satisfaction.

The bike folds into a compact footprint for easy storage and transport. When you’re done riding just pull out the pin, fold it up and store it in the closet. In addition to providing an excellent low-impact cardiovascular workout, the semi-reclined position puts extra toning emphasis on your hips, thighs, and buttocks.

The steel frame is very sturdy for a small machine, and the foam padded grips, and slide-resistant footpads will hold up through long-term use.

Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike Product Details

• Quiet, smooth operation
• Folding design and wheels allow for convenient transport
• Targeted training, multifunction LCD monitor with six preset workout programs
• Adjustable resistance to increase or decrease workout intensity
• Adjustable seat fits various user heights
• Sturdy steel frame construction, foam padded grips, and slide-resistant foot pads
• Operating dimensions: 39 long x 23 wide x 41 tall• Folded dimensions: 19 long x 23 wide x 58 tall

Stamina Recumbent Bikes on eBay

• Get this Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike on Amazon

For the gadget loving exercise enthusiast the Polar F55 takes fitness monitoring to a new level.

This multi-purpose heart rate monitor tracks three essential components of good health – cardiovascular, strength training & relaxation.

• Cardiovascular: Wireless ECG Heart Rate Monitor
• Strength Training: Body Workout Program (counts sets, reps and recommends weight)
• Relaxation: OwnRelax Program (checks the body’s state of relaxation and helps you “listen” to your body)

The Polar F55 prescribes a total body fitness program and all training data can be uploaded and tracked on the Polar Personal Trainer website.

After 3 weeks of following the initial exercise program the unit will ask you to re-test your fitness level and then recalculate the next three-week program. This ongoing cycle of monitoring and testing is a great motivator.

Polar F55 Men’s Heart Rate Monitors on eBay

• Click here to get the Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor on Amazon
• See all Polar Monitors currently on eBay

Bowflex is one of the best-known fitness brands, producing a wide array of strength and cardiovascular exercise equipment featuring innovative, space saving technology. Owned by Nautilus Inc., who also manufactures equipment for Schwinn Exercise, Stairmaster and Pearl Izumi, Bowflex has grown into an industry juggernaut with millions of new satisfied home users each year.

This article will focus on two best-selling Bowflex products — the Bowflex Treadclimber and the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells.

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The Bowflex Treadclimber is available in four primary models — TC1000, TC3000, TC5000, and TC6000. These advanced cardio machines allow you to walk normally as on a treadmill, but incorporate a natural step-like motion using two platforms that raise and lower independently. When you step down with one foot, the opposite platform inclines, creating the sensation of climbing a gradual hill. The Bowflex Treadclimber effectively provides the combined benefits of both a treadmill and a stair stepper.

At the lowest end of the spectrum the TC1000 has a maximum walking speed of 3.8 mph (6.1 kph), while the most expensive model, the TC6000, boasts a top speed of 4.5 mph (7.2 kph). The TC3000 and TC5000 each clock in at a maximum of 4.0 mph (6.4 kph).

But speed is just one important aspect differentiating each Bowflex Treadclimber model. The TC1000 offers 3 basic functions — Speed, Distance and Time. Stepping up (pun intended) to the TC3000 model gives you Calories per Minute, Total Calories and Total Steps. The TC5000 includes two additional functions — the Climb Indicator and the Heart Rate Monitor. Finally, the top of the line TC6000 incorporates all of the above plus special training programs, including Cross Training, Intervals, Plateau, The Brooklyn Bridge and The Golden Gate Bridge.

The Heart Rate Monitor on the TC5000 and TC 6000 includes a wireless chest strap and an integrated display showing heart rate at a glance for maintaining optimal fat burning levels.

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The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells will change your concept and use of dumbbells forever. Say goodbye to 17 different dumbbells cluttering your workout space. With a simple turn of a dial you can automatically adjust the weight on each dumbbell in 2.5 lb, 5 lb or 10 lb increments, depending on the model, enabling you to gradually increase your workout and strength.

The SelectTech dumbbells represent one of the most space-efficient and flexible strength training systems available. They come in three models — SelectTech 220, SelectTech 552 (the most popular) and SelectTech 1090.

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Bowflex continues to innovate and design fitness equipment of high durability, effectiveness and affordability. They’ve had a dramatic impact on cardiovascular exercise, strength training and the home gym experience.

More Information

• Bowflex TC 3000 Treadclimber
• Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells