Buying Home Gym Equipment

Health experts have proven that regular exercise coupled with a good diet allow you to live longer and healthier. In this busy day and age, not everyone has the time to go to the gym - resulting to a lot of overweight people that desperately need to exercise. A healthy alternative is for you to purchase your own exercise machine that you can store in your own home or even at your office. Here are some tips when buying home gym equipment.

First, know your fitness goals and keep these goals in mind when you are buying home gym equipment. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is buying the biggest or trendiest fitness machine simply because they like how it looks. More often than not, these end up gathering dust in your storage rooms or garage because you never end up using them. It is important to take note of what particular type of physical activity you want or enjoy doing before you buy your exercise machine. If you are looking to loose a few pounds and you enjoy walking or hiking, a treadmill is the best option for you. If you are looking to tone your lower body while burning calories a stationary bike is your obvious choice.

Second, set aside a budget before buying home gym equipment. Quality exercise machines do not come cheap. They are constantly exposed to wear and tear when they are used properly. So, pick machines that are built to last and have passed quality certifications to get the most out of your money. If you are operating on a tight budget, think about investing in several weights, a step trainer or a maybe some exercise videos.

Try doing some leg work before buying home gym equipment. Don't just walk into a store blindfolded waiting for a salesman to rip you off! If you have been working out in a gym and you find an equipment that you like, try searching the internet or asking the manufacturer if they sell exercise machines for home use. Most companies manufacture equipment that is designed for the gym and those that you can use in the comfort of your own home. You can also ask your gym instructor if he has anything to recommend.

The cardinal rule of buying home gym equipment is to never buy one sight unseen. Always test run your exercise machine for about twenty minutes before buying it. Many complaints about performance usually crop up after this period of time. Try them out to see how they will perform and how much time it will take for you to adjust to it. If the machine requires a high learning curve, you will probably lose your motivation to exercise with it. Pick something that is relatively easy to use and the best way to find that out to try it out yourself!

Health experts have proven that regular exercise coupled with a good diet allow you to live longer and healthier. In this busy day and age, not everyone has the time to go to the gym - resulting to a lot of overweight people that desperately need to exercise. A healthy alternative is for you to purchase your own exercise machine that you can store in your own home or even at your office. Here are some tips when buying home gym equipment.

First, know your fitness goals and keep these goals in mind when you are buying home gym equipment. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is buying the biggest or trendiest fitness machine simply because they like how it looks. More often than not, these end up gathering dust in your storage rooms or garage because you never end up using them. It is important to take note of what particular type of physical activity you want or enjoy doing before you buy your exercise machine. If you are looking to loose a few pounds and you enjoy walking or hiking, a treadmill is the best option for you. If you are looking to tone your lower body while burning calories a stationary bike is your obvious choice.

Second, set aside a budget before buying home gym equipment. Quality exercise machines do not come cheap. They are constantly exposed to wear and tear when they are used properly. So, pick machines that are built to last and have passed quality certifications to get the most out of your money. If you are operating on a tight budget, think about investing in several weights, a step trainer or a maybe some exercise videos.

Try doing some leg work before buying home gym equipment. Don't just walk into a store blindfolded waiting for a salesman to rip you off! If you have been working out in a gym and you find an equipment that you like, try searching the internet or asking the manufacturer if they sell exercise machines for home use. Most companies manufacture equipment that is designed for the gym and those that you can use in the comfort of your own home. You can also ask your gym instructor if he has anything to recommend.

The cardinal rule of buying home gym equipment is to never buy one sight unseen. Always test run your exercise machine for about twenty minutes before buying it. Many complaints about performance usually crop up after this period of time. Try them out to see how they will perform and how much time it will take for you to adjust to it. If the machine requires a high learning curve, you will probably lose your motivation to exercise with it. Pick something that is relatively easy to use and the best way to find that out to try it out yourself!

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5 Pieces of Abdominal Exercise Equipment For Your Ab Workouts

People are always looking for the best ab exercise equipment and here is a run-down of 5 pieces of equipment that you can use in your ab workouts (for pictures and full descriptions of more than 50 abdominal exercises check the resource box below).

#1 The Stability Ball (Exercise Ball)

The stability ball is a great piece of equipment. In addition to increasing range of motion for crunches and other abdominal exercises, the stability ball also improves your balance and coordination. You can start with the basics such as regular crunches or oblique crunches.

After mastering crunches you can move to something more challenging such as roll-ins or piques. In roll-ins and piques your feet are placed on the ball while your hands are on the floor.

The stability ball ab exercises are a good addition to your ab workout.

#2 The Medicine Ball

The medicine ball is simply a weighted ball. Although some people may think that medicine balls are only for boxers and athletes, medicine balls can really enhance your core workout.

When basic crunches or other ab exercises become too easy, adding resistance in the form of a medicine ball is a great way to increase the intensity of your ab workout. Some of the best medicine ball exercises are seated Russian twists and medicine ball toe touch crunches.

#3 Ankle Weights

Medicine balls are a great way to add resistance to your upper body, and ankle weights are a great way to add resistance to your lower body.

Ankle weights can increase the intensity of reverse crunches and leg raises. When regular leg raises become really easy, you can add ankle weights to increase the muscle work in your abs.

#4 Cables or Resistance Tubes

Here is another way you can add resistance to your abdominal muscles to break through strength.

You can perform cable crunches from a low cable tower by lying on the floor and holding the resistance behind your head. Or you can perform cable crunches from a kneeling position.

The cables add a very different feeling to your abdominal muscles because of the constant tension from the weight stack, so your abs get a burn throughout the entire range of motion.

#5 Ab Wheel

The ab wheel or power wheel is just what it says it is. It is a wheel with a stick in between it. You basically use the ab wheel for roll outs, and this is a very challenging abdominal exercise.

There are hundreds of ways to work your abdominal muscles, and above are just 5 good pieces to include in your ab workouts.

An if you don't have any ab exercise equipment available, the floor is always a good option. Some of my favorite ab exercises are bicycle crunches and the plank. So no excuses. Start working your abdominals.

People are always looking for the best ab exercise equipment and here is a run-down of 5 pieces of equipment that you can use in your ab workouts (for pictures and full descriptions of more than 50 abdominal exercises check the resource box below).

#1 The Stability Ball (Exercise Ball)

The stability ball is a great piece of equipment. In addition to increasing range of motion for crunches and other abdominal exercises, the stability ball also improves your balance and coordination. You can start with the basics such as regular crunches or oblique crunches.

After mastering crunches you can move to something more challenging such as roll-ins or piques. In roll-ins and piques your feet are placed on the ball while your hands are on the floor.

The stability ball ab exercises are a good addition to your ab workout.

#2 The Medicine Ball

The medicine ball is simply a weighted ball. Although some people may think that medicine balls are only for boxers and athletes, medicine balls can really enhance your core workout.

When basic crunches or other ab exercises become too easy, adding resistance in the form of a medicine ball is a great way to increase the intensity of your ab workout. Some of the best medicine ball exercises are seated Russian twists and medicine ball toe touch crunches.

#3 Ankle Weights

Medicine balls are a great way to add resistance to your upper body, and ankle weights are a great way to add resistance to your lower body.

Ankle weights can increase the intensity of reverse crunches and leg raises. When regular leg raises become really easy, you can add ankle weights to increase the muscle work in your abs.

#4 Cables or Resistance Tubes

Here is another way you can add resistance to your abdominal muscles to break through strength.

You can perform cable crunches from a low cable tower by lying on the floor and holding the resistance behind your head. Or you can perform cable crunches from a kneeling position.

The cables add a very different feeling to your abdominal muscles because of the constant tension from the weight stack, so your abs get a burn throughout the entire range of motion.

#5 Ab Wheel

The ab wheel or power wheel is just what it says it is. It is a wheel with a stick in between it. You basically use the ab wheel for roll outs, and this is a very challenging abdominal exercise.

There are hundreds of ways to work your abdominal muscles, and above are just 5 good pieces to include in your ab workouts.

An if you don't have any ab exercise equipment available, the floor is always a good option. Some of my favorite ab exercises are bicycle crunches and the plank. So no excuses. Start working your abdominals.

Read more

Boating Safety Equipment - Part I - Required Equipment

Safety Equipment (required)

These are the USCG requirements for safety gear you need to have onboard. The USCG may board your vessel to check your equipment so check to see you have the correct gear and that fire extinguishers are not out of date.

A, Personal flotation devices (PFD) or Lifejackets.

One approved Type I, II or III PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc.; and one throwable Type IV device. ( A type V PFD may be used in lieu of any wearable PFD, if approved for the activity in which it is being used. A TYPE V HYBRID MUST be worn to be legal.) . A type IV lifejacket is required for all boats over 16ft, which is a Throwable flotation device. NOTE; Coast Guard requires special PFD's for children under 12 and wearing them on deck is mandatory, whereas for Adults wearing is only recommended.

Types of PFD valid for USCG regulations.

Type I PFD, or Offshore Life Jacket provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. The TYPE I come in two sizes: Adult size provides at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, the child size, 11 pounds, minimum.

Type II PFD, Near-Shore Buoyancy Vest is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The turning action is not as pronounced nor as effective as a TYPE I. An adult size provides at least 15.5 pounds buoyancy; a medium child size provides 11 pounds. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy.

Type III PFD, or flotation aid is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. It is designed so that wearers can put themselves in a face-up position in the water. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD. Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed for various water sports are examples. Some Type III PFDs are designed to be inflated upon entering the water.

Type IV PFD, or Throwable Device is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.

Type V PFD, or Special Use Device is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label. Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection. Varieties include deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests, and Hybrid PFDs.

Type V Hybrid Inflatable PFD is the least bulky. It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable chamber and must be worn when underway to be acceptable. This type is designed to automatically inflate upon entering the water.

B, Sound signals

Every vessel 39.4 ft (12 meters) or larger in length must carry a whistle or horn and a bell. The whistle must be audible for 1/2 nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least 7.87 inches (200mm) in diameter. However you do not need to carry a bell if you are operating on international waters.

Every vessel less than 39.4 ft (12 meters) in length must carry an efficient sound producing device.

C, Visual distress signals VDS

For all vessels over 16 ft, Must carry approved visual distress signals for both daytime and night-time use.

For boats less than 16 ft, required to carry approved visual distress signals for night-time use. Coast Guard requires 3 day and 3 night signals. For a full description and diagrams of all the available types of visual distress signals (VDS) for inland waterways and international waters, try the wwwboatsafe.com web site. Note it is important to check dates for flares and rockets and smoke signals as these will be checked by the coast guard, plus its for your safety, Pyrotechnics have a shelf life of 42 months.

D, Fire extinguisher

For vessels less than 16ft: One B-I type approved hand portable fire extinguisher. (Not required on outboard motorboats less than 26 ft in length if the construction of the motorboat is such that it does not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.) For vessels 26ft to 40ft: Two B-I type OR one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers.

For vessels 40 ft to 65ft: Three B-I type OR one B-I type PLUS one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers. If a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in engine and machinery rooms, it will replace one B-I portable fire extinguisher.

E, Ventilation

(For Boats built after 8/1/80) They must have at least two ventilation ducts capable of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contain gasoline machinery and fuel tanks, except those having installed tanks which vent outside of the boat and do not contain electrical equipment. Engine compartments containing a gasoline engine with a cranking motor are additionally required to contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

(For Boats built before 8/1/80) They must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls for the purpose of efficiently and properly ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel tank compartment using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flashpoint of 110 degrees or less.

F, Back-Fire flame arrestor

Back-fire Flame Arrestor. One approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors. Note: Some states have requirements in addition to the federal requirements. Check your state's boating laws.

G, Owners/ships documents

Carry either State registration or documentation papers. Since 9-11, the U.S. Coast Guard can ask you to produce a pictured identification card, such as a driver's license.

H, Navigation Lights

If you are going to be afloat after sundown then you will need Navigation lights. These are the regulations for the UK and USA as provided by Power Boat Training and the USCG.

Vessels 12 meters to 20 meters

o Masthead light - 3 miles.

o Sidelight and stern light - 2 miles.

o All round lights - 2 miles.

Vessels under 12 meters

o Masthead light - 2 miles.

o Sidelight - 1 mile.

o Stern light - 2 miles.

o All round lights - 2 miles.

I, Inspection

When boarded for a safety inspection check by the Coast Guard, failure to produce any of this equipment could result in fine and/or termination of your voyage. Make sure your safety equipment is in good working condition. Check expiration dates for VDS and Fire Extinguishers.

Safety Equipment (required)

These are the USCG requirements for safety gear you need to have onboard. The USCG may board your vessel to check your equipment so check to see you have the correct gear and that fire extinguishers are not out of date.

A, Personal flotation devices (PFD) or Lifejackets.

One approved Type I, II or III PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc.; and one throwable Type IV device. ( A type V PFD may be used in lieu of any wearable PFD, if approved for the activity in which it is being used. A TYPE V HYBRID MUST be worn to be legal.) . A type IV lifejacket is required for all boats over 16ft, which is a Throwable flotation device. NOTE; Coast Guard requires special PFD's for children under 12 and wearing them on deck is mandatory, whereas for Adults wearing is only recommended.

Types of PFD valid for USCG regulations.

Type I PFD, or Offshore Life Jacket provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. The TYPE I come in two sizes: Adult size provides at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, the child size, 11 pounds, minimum.

Type II PFD, Near-Shore Buoyancy Vest is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The turning action is not as pronounced nor as effective as a TYPE I. An adult size provides at least 15.5 pounds buoyancy; a medium child size provides 11 pounds. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy.

Type III PFD, or flotation aid is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. It is designed so that wearers can put themselves in a face-up position in the water. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD. Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed for various water sports are examples. Some Type III PFDs are designed to be inflated upon entering the water.

Type IV PFD, or Throwable Device is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.

Type V PFD, or Special Use Device is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label. Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection. Varieties include deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests, and Hybrid PFDs.

Type V Hybrid Inflatable PFD is the least bulky. It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable chamber and must be worn when underway to be acceptable. This type is designed to automatically inflate upon entering the water.

B, Sound signals

Every vessel 39.4 ft (12 meters) or larger in length must carry a whistle or horn and a bell. The whistle must be audible for 1/2 nautical mile. The mouth of the bell must be at least 7.87 inches (200mm) in diameter. However you do not need to carry a bell if you are operating on international waters.

Every vessel less than 39.4 ft (12 meters) in length must carry an efficient sound producing device.

C, Visual distress signals VDS

For all vessels over 16 ft, Must carry approved visual distress signals for both daytime and night-time use.

For boats less than 16 ft, required to carry approved visual distress signals for night-time use. Coast Guard requires 3 day and 3 night signals. For a full description and diagrams of all the available types of visual distress signals (VDS) for inland waterways and international waters, try the wwwboatsafe.com web site. Note it is important to check dates for flares and rockets and smoke signals as these will be checked by the coast guard, plus its for your safety, Pyrotechnics have a shelf life of 42 months.

D, Fire extinguisher

For vessels less than 16ft: One B-I type approved hand portable fire extinguisher. (Not required on outboard motorboats less than 26 ft in length if the construction of the motorboat is such that it does not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.) For vessels 26ft to 40ft: Two B-I type OR one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers.

For vessels 40 ft to 65ft: Three B-I type OR one B-I type PLUS one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers. If a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in engine and machinery rooms, it will replace one B-I portable fire extinguisher.

E, Ventilation

(For Boats built after 8/1/80) They must have at least two ventilation ducts capable of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contain gasoline machinery and fuel tanks, except those having installed tanks which vent outside of the boat and do not contain electrical equipment. Engine compartments containing a gasoline engine with a cranking motor are additionally required to contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

(For Boats built before 8/1/80) They must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls for the purpose of efficiently and properly ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel tank compartment using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flashpoint of 110 degrees or less.

F, Back-Fire flame arrestor

Back-fire Flame Arrestor. One approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors. Note: Some states have requirements in addition to the federal requirements. Check your state's boating laws.

G, Owners/ships documents

Carry either State registration or documentation papers. Since 9-11, the U.S. Coast Guard can ask you to produce a pictured identification card, such as a driver's license.

H, Navigation Lights

If you are going to be afloat after sundown then you will need Navigation lights. These are the regulations for the UK and USA as provided by Power Boat Training and the USCG.

Vessels 12 meters to 20 meters

o Masthead light - 3 miles.

o Sidelight and stern light - 2 miles.

o All round lights - 2 miles.

Vessels under 12 meters

o Masthead light - 2 miles.

o Sidelight - 1 mile.

o Stern light - 2 miles.

o All round lights - 2 miles.

I, Inspection

When boarded for a safety inspection check by the Coast Guard, failure to produce any of this equipment could result in fine and/or termination of your voyage. Make sure your safety equipment is in good working condition. Check expiration dates for VDS and Fire Extinguishers.

Read more