FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What should I get - Treadmill or Elliptical?

A: Treadmills and Elliptical are two great pieces of equipment that give you a great aerobic workout. The elliptical trainer offers an impact free workout, which may appeal to people who need a gentler workout, because of joint problems and pain. Most elliptical trainers give you a total body workout if you have dual action handlebars for your arms and foot pedals for your legs. According to recent studies, the lack of impact on the joints allows the user to burn roughly the same amount of calories as treadmills with the impression of putting less effort. People with knee problems and physical trainers who are involved in rehabilitating their clients, will tend to choose an elliptical trainer. Treadmills offers more impact, which strengthens the muscles and bones. Treadmills are a better training experience for dedicated runners/joggers than an elliptical trainer. Treadmills focus on the lower body as they simulate the joggers experience. Thomas Altena, an exercise physiologist at the University of Missouri-Columbia, had to say: “ the physiological responses associated with elliptical exercises were nearly identical to treadmill exercises”. He went on to conclude that “both exercise machines are effective for increasing the amount of calories burned and for producing cardio respiratory health and training benefits…”

Q. What is TRX training?

A: TRX core training is performed on the TRX Suspension training equipment using your own bodyweight. It is a complete bodyweight training system that offers you a fusion of strength, core stability and balance for athletes of all fitness levels.

TRX core training will increase your power center by helping you to develop a strong core that will lead to a stronger transference power from your lower to upper body.

When you use the TRX suspension trainer your entire core will be activated as a stabilizer in every TRX exercise!

The TRX professional weighs less then two pounds and fits ina small pouch you can benefit from the TRX anywhere. Train in the gym, on the field, in a hotel room or at home.

Q. What are the benefits of Bosu Ball training?

A: Training with a Bosu Ball will improve coordination, stability and balance. The benefits of being able to stand on the ball, are that you receive automatic biofeedback if you body is not in proper alignment. Your muscles quickly adapt and figure out how to achieve that alignment.

Standing or kneeling on the Bosu while performing exercises you would normally do on the floor, automatically makes them functional, because now your core muscles are working to keep you balanced.

It is also great to help strengthen and stabilize muscles acting on the ankles.

We carry both of these great products in our store. If you have any further question please contact us.

Q: What is the difference between a recumbent bike and an up right bike?

A: The difference between the styles is the way they sit. The recumbent bike places the rider in a laid-back position. Most people choose this type of bike for ergonomic reasons. The riders weight is distributed comfortably over the back and buttocks. Some people with back and knee injuries prefer this style of bike because they feel it gives them a more comfortable ride. More experienced riders will prefer an upright bike. The riders body weight rests on the sit bones, feet and hands. They offer an advantage over a recumbent in that the rider can cycle in a standing position. If you suffer from back problems, this posture can be the best one to adopt.

Q: Can exercise lower my cholesterol levels?

A: Exercise is a proven aid in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Other lifestyle changes are also recommended such as choosing foods that are low in saturated fats. Foods of plant origin (vegetables, fruit, grains, cereals, nuts and seeds) contain no cholesterol. If you are over weight, loss of body fat supported by exercise is recommended. If lifestyle changes do not help and your cholesterol levels remain very high, please see your physician.

Q: Why do I sweat so much?

A: Sweating is how your body dissipates heat and keeps its core temperature down when you are working out. The more you train, the more you sweat. Your body knows it is going to get hot and hence ‘sweating’ is your body’s mechanism to cool itself off. Some people have more sweat glands than others. Men sweat more than women for this reason.

Q. Are fee weights better than machine/cable weights?

A: Free weights generally change an overall muscle group more intensely. They assist in the development of core trunk strength, stabilizing muscle strength and balance. However, for the purpose of weight loss, muscle toning and overall fitness, both groups will serve an adequate purpose.

Q. How important is it for women to strength train?

A: It is very important for women to strength train! Among dozens of other benefits, weight barring exercises reduces the rate at which bone density is depleted, leading to healthier bones for a longer period of time.

Q. How many calories do I have to burn to lose a pound of fat?

A: A pound of fat is roughly the equivalent to 3500 calories. If you're goal is to lose 1 pound of fat per week you will need to increase your activity levels by 500 calories per day, reduce your calorie intake by 500 calories per day or settle on a combination of the two.