Weider understands that an effective home workout should engage the core, build muscle tone and definition, as well as attack the biceps, forearms and lats. To accomplish these goals, Weider has designed the X-factor Plus Home Gym.

This machine is perfect for getting a proper upper and lower body workout and a good combination cardio/weight workout, without taking too much floor space.

The X-factor Plus Home Gym provides 210 lbs. of dynamic resistance, with every move increasing the resistance through exponential stretch, so vital to a good strength building workout.

The included cables come in 25 lb, 35 lb, and 45 lb strengths, work smoothly and can be mixed and matched to suit the desired workout resistance level.

The machine includes a fold-away vertical knee raise (VKR) station that allows body builders and casual fitness enthusiasts to build more muscle. The 2 high pulleys and 2 low pulleys allow for a more intense, well-rounded workout.

The multi-grip pull-up bar is another beneficial feature as it assists with building biceps, forearms and lats. You can develop lean leg muscles using the ankle strap.

Expect to enjoy your workout in comfort thanks to the padded arm supports and the ergonomic design that gives a more natural movement as well as additional support.

The gym comes with an exercise chart to help users achieve maximum results and an easy-to-understand instruction manual that allows for a quick setup of the machine (average 2 hours). The manual clearly illustrates and numbers the parts in each instruction making it easy to assemble. It also comes with all the necessary tools.

One minor criticism, if you are of average height, is that the arms for the dips are quite far apart. On the other hand, if you are tall with wide shoulders, the dip stations in commercial gyms are probably too close and the arms for dips on the X Factor Plus may be just right for you.

Designed to specifically target abs with the Vertical Knee Raise (VKR) Station, and strengthen arms and core with the dip station, the Weider X-factor Plus Home Gym is recommended for anyone serious about building strength and increasing overall muscle definition, with an efficient full body workout.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• See the Weider X-factor Plus Home Gym on Amazon
• Compare to other Weider Home Gyms
• Read more Weider Home Gym reviews

The Bowflex SelectTech series features technology that is helping revolutionize exercise equipment.  The weight adjustment selection dials effectively replace up to 17 pairs of individual dumbbells while providing the same functionality, allowing you to work smarter, not harder.

Let’s take a look at how the technology works and assess the advantages and disadvantages of the SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells.

Purchasing a full set of dumbbells can be prohibitively expensive and consume a substantial amount of space in your workout room.  A complete set requires a large rack and can lead to additional costs to store the equipment. Even in professional gyms, space can be difficult to allocate. Compact, space saving equipment allows gyms to offer more workout options to their members.

Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells take up no more space than a traditional 90 lb dumbbell and can be adjusted from 10-90 lbs in 5 lb increments, all very easily and efficiently. Purchasing an entire set of dumbbells with this weight range could cost upwards of $1000, when including a stand. The Bowflex SelectTechs, with all their advantages, are available at less than a third of that cost.

The weight adjustment mechanism is quite simple.  After placing a dumbbell on the included stand, simply turn a dial to select the desired weight. The handle will attach itself to each increasing weight plate as the dial is turned. This simple function makes it possible to very quickly adjust resistance and save time during a workout.

These dumbbells are designed for total body results, with the wider weight range accommodating heavy exercises such as shrugs and lunges, as well as lighter exercises such as curls and raises. The durable molding around each metal plate provides a quieter workout with a smooth lift-off and no more clanging metal plates!

A minor criticism of the new 1090s is that the grips are slightly different than previous models. Where earlier versions had a nice rubber handle for a secure grip, Bowflex has opted for a chrome metal finish on this model, which can become slippery from sweat during a hard workout. This can be alleviated with tape, but we would have preferred rubber handles.

A second issue is that the mechanism of adjustment may occassionaly jam if the weight is not seated in the stand correctly. This can be fixed by releasing all of the weights and starting over.

A special free bonus workout DVD  “Secrets of the 4 Step Rep” with over 30 exercises and over 80 variations is included and the system comes with a 30 day money back guarantee.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Compare to the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
• See pricing for both models on Amazon

We’ve gained some serious ground since then, exercising the freedom to realize that we have myriad options when it comes to getting and staying fit – none of which require us to accept the boring, the intimidating or the ridiculously expensive when it comes to getting healthy, and staying strong and in shape.

We’ve summarized five such options here, all of which are likely to not only feed your passion but also awaken your active self.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which means “gentle art” in Japanese, is an ancient form of martial arts, adapted in Brazil, which encourages leverage and balance over sheer strength.

Coming to international prominence in the martial arts community in the early 1990s, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu proves that size is not the most important factor. Superior skills, joint locks, chokes and other finesse techniques can help gain an edge over and defeat a larger, stronger opponent.

A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class may begin with stretching, followed by calisthenic and aerobic drills. Typically, a new student will learn one move per day and then be paired with a partner to practice and hone the technique. There may then be an extended round of live grappling, where participants improve their skills and put them to the test in a trial by fire.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is similar to kinetic chess and one of the only martial arts where you can spar at 100% capacity on a daily basis.

• Conditioning  ****
• Flexibility ****
• Weight Loss****
• Strength ***

CrossFit

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning system consisting of constantly varied, if not randomized, functional movements executed at high intensity. The concept was originally developed by US Navy Seals with the goal of creating a variety of workouts not requiring any special tools or exercise equipment.

CrossFit not only trains your entire body to actually be used, but trains you in how to use your body to it’s fullest extent. Each workout combines a set of varied movements done with high intensity in relatively short bursts, in order to stress and confuse many different muscles. CrossFit workouts are usually only 20-30 minutes in duration.

In addition to developing every muscle group, CrossFit is intended to build proficiency in ten different physical skills: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination, and accuracy.

CrossFit, Inc. is a fitness company founded in 2000. As of 2012, there are over 3400 CrossFit-affiliated gyms worldwide and CrossFit workouts are used in thousands of private affiliated gyms and many fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and military organizations.

The CrossFit program is designed for universal scalability making it the perfect application for any committed individual regardless of experience.

• Conditioning  *****
• Flexibility ***
• Weight Loss****
• Strength ****

Krav Maga

Krav Maga, meaning “contact combat” is a system of martial arts created by Israel Defense Forces emphasizing aggression, intensity, threat neutralization and simultaneous defensive and offensive skill.

Krav Maga is not a sport, but a system based on principles and concepts and is considered by many as the most devastating fighting and self defense system in the world.

Participants work with grappling, wrestling, and striking techniques as well as weapon disarmament and how to negotiate with a potential attacker.  The cardio exercises have a CrossFit feel, where you engage in workouts that combine various components. Students learn to defend against any type of attack before engaging in full-contact sparring.

Krav Maga is known for its focus on real-world situations and extremely efficient, brutal counter-attacks. A key principle is finishing combat as fast as possible with all all attacks aimed towards the most vulnerable parts of the body — the face, neck, groin, knee, etc. The aggressive training style helps overcome fear, hesitation and nervousness, all of which are inherent in human nature.

• Conditioning  ****
• Flexibility ***
• Weight Loss****
• Strength ***

Parkour

Parkour is a spectacular combination of gymnastics, obstacle movement and Ninja Warrior obstacle course running, with a focus on speed and efficiency.

Developed in France, parkour movements include running, vaulting, rolling, climbing and jumping. Parkour obstacle training develops superior cardiovascular conditioning, upper body and core strength, and extraordinary spatial awareness.

As parkour grew in popularity in the mid 2000s, military forces around the world began incorporating parkour into their training. The British Royal Marines hired parkour athletes to train their members and parkour is slowly being introduced into the United States Marine Corps.

Parkour is as much an art form as it is a sport, and indoor gyms focusing on parkour are becoming more and more common.

• Conditioning  ****
• Flexibility *****
• Weight Loss****
• Strength ***

Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a full contact sport combining the punches of boxing with the kicks of karate, a perfect art to learn self protection. Although the roots of kickboxing date back 2,000 years, modern competitive kickboxing came to the fore in the 1970s when American karate experts staged competitions that allowed full-contact kicks and punches, previously banned in karate.

Competitive kickboxers use a wide a variety of moves to disorient and defeat their opponents. Punches include the jab, uppercut and hook. The hook is among the most devastating of strikes as it powerfully contacts an opponent from the side at full force. Kicks are also devastating weapons with techniques including the front, hook, side, roundhouse and spinning back kicks. The latter is good for surprising opponents as the kickboxer quickly spins and drives his heel backward into his opponent.

Kickboxing workouts involve constant movement and the development of excellent coordination. A typical kickboxing class begins with stretching and calisthenics, followed by a few rounds of cardio, and  drills using pads. Sparring in kickboxing is done infrequently and often performed with limited power.

Kickboxing is a total body workout using body weight as resistance so no one muscle group is worked to excess. Kickboxing conforms to the individual instead of making the individual conform to it.

• Conditioning  *****
• Flexibility ****
• Weight Loss****
• Strength ***

• Know of other training methods and disciplines that help avoid workout boredom? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

TV infomercials have locked into the niche that having rock solid abs is easy, using a popular trainer, requiring as little training and exercise as physically possible. Some ab trainers do exactly what they say on the product description, providing complete isolation and training the muscle group accordingly at great value.

Let’s see what the Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer has to offer.

From initial impressions, video advertisements and the like, the Ab Rocket Twister abdominal workout trainer looked original and attractive. The system boasted a sturdy steel construction to support body weight of even the heaviest users.

The system claims to sculpt rock solid abdominals and promote various health benefits if used frequently – all with an allegedly very comfortable operation. The Ab Rocket Twister abdominal trainer claims the repetitive description of a new, revolutionary way to train your abdominals, concentrating on each segment of the muscle group, lower, upper and obliques etc.

At first glance, the Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer looked relatively simple to assemble. However, the system was awkward and time consuming to complete and the assembly does not click together easily as highlighted in the adverts.

The Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer is questionably designed and constructed from seemingly cheap, frail components. Tall users will not be suited for this system. The back is constructed with a claim of one size fits all, but the neck support will be an issue for people with a taller torso height.

After only short periods of use, the trainer may cause excessive back pain and neck fatigue. The seat is very small and not very comfortable for a heavier set person. Exercise is not supposed to be comfortable, but this system highlights this reality and does not live up to the hype of being of comparable comfort to the Ab Lounge. This may mislead customers and cause some unhappy faces.

The system does come with an added bonus of a tutorial exercise program DVD. The DVD includes three different levels from beginner to advanced, a benefit to people not familiar with exercising their abdominals. The package also includes a nutritional plan providing a variety of balanced, calorie controlled diet meal plans. This is a perk not always provided by some other abdominal trainer models.

Final verdict: There are better quality abdominal trainers currently on the market. The flimsy craftsmanship and flawed design simply do not live up to the hype and expectation of an avid abdominal trainer user. Read a few reviews and watch a few videos before making a purchase on this one. You never know — what works for one, may not work for another.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Learn more about the Ab Rocket Twister Abdominal Trainer on Amazon
• Compare pricing on other Bestselling Abdominal Trainers
• Read more Abdominal Trainer reviews

Exercise is key to a healthier and happier lifestyle. We all know that a good workout program can burn fat, build muscle and improve coordination. Other, often overlooked benefits include an increase in self-esteem, relief from stress and a reduction in the risk of chronic disease.

Our friends at Vibram FiveFingers have developed this infographic illustrating the dos and don’ts of starting a new fitness routine. It includes valuable exercise tips and advice from professional trainers and fitness instructors to help you begin and continue a results-driven home exercise program.

Click to open image in new browser and again to zoom to full size

Courtesy of Vibram FiveFingers. View more health & exercise articles.

Comparable to the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell series, the Jillian Michaels Ultimate 12.5 Adjustable Speed Dumbbells allow you to experience the variable workout intensities of a complete set of dumbbells with just one adjustable pair.

Adjustable dumbbells are becoming the preferred choice for fitness enthusiasts and professionals all over the world. These state of the art dumbbells adjust from 2.5 lbs. to 12.5 lbs., enabling an increase or decrease in resistance without the need to own multiple sets of dumbbells. Accomplishing the work as eight individual dumbbells, they save a significant amount of space as well. This set is also available in a variety of colors to add to their stylish design; making them ideal for any individual taste.

The Jillian Michaels Ultimate 12.5 Adjustable Speed Dumbbells are also cost effective as you need only buy two dumbbells. They can easily be taken to the gym for those who prefer using their own equipment during training sessions. They can also fit into a medium sized travel bag, making them ideal for long trips and annual vacations.

Jillian Michaels Ultimate 12.5 Adjustable Speed Dumbbells Product Features

• Adjustable from 2.5 lbs. to 12.5 lbs
• Instant increase in workout intensity
• Made from solid cast-iron
• Sleek, modern design
• Soft-grip dumbbell handles
• Includes exercise chart and storage tray

The dumbbells include soft-grip handles for ease of use and added comfort. They are made to last and can be used for long workout sessions with relatively little discomfort. The weights are constructed from solid cast-iron for added durability and product lifespan. With a convenient weight adjustment of up to 12.5 lbs., these dumbbells are perfect fro beginners and intermediates alike.

The Jillian Michaels Ultimate 12.5 Adjustable Speed Dumbbell can be used both inside and outside the home, blending perfectly with any training environment and complimenting the rest of your workout equipment.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Jillian Michaels Ultimate 12.5 Adjustable Speed Dumbbells on Amazon
• Read more Jillian Michaels fitness product reviews

Online Personal Fitness Training
The manufacturer claims that CyberFit360 is based on time tested exercise philosophies backed by the in depth research, not the latest fads, and can deliver improvements in flexibility, posture, cardiovascular conditioning, strength, and aesthetics all at the same time. Developed by a former NBA Strength and Conditioning Coach, CyberFit360 offers a fresh approach to online and mobile fitness training based on the principles of conjugate periodization, which emphasizes improving multiple fitness components simultaneously.

Each CyberFit360 online personal fitness training program is separated into three blocks: athletic regeneration, resistance and metabolic conditioning. The first is a warm up, the second is weight training and the third is circuit style cardio. The workouts are customized to a user’s personal needs and, while they usually felt just right, there were a few times when they felt either too intense or too easy.

Unlike some personalized workout programs, where you can’t even think about taking a day off, the CyberFit360 personal training program allows you to do that. For example, if you have to work or if you just don’t have the energy one day, you can forgo your personal training until the next day.

While this feature does allow one to be lazy, chances of that are slim, as the program automatically schedules the training for the next day.

• Try For Free Now at CyberFit360.com

Real Trainers
With CyberFit 360 online personal training software, you don’t just have some virtual online personal trainer watch your progress; rather, there is a real trainer charting your progress. He or she will help customize your workout plans, and will step in should you encounter any performance- or motivation-related challenges.

Nutritional Program
Along with the online personal training program, CyberFit 360 provides a nutritional guide. This guide is created by registered dietitians, based on your caloric needs, allergies, and other problems or special requirements. The guide is designed to help you lose weight in a very short amount of time, and the foods pushed by the dietitians are sound and comprise many health staples.

However, there were a few problems with the guide. Obviously, starting any new diet is going to leave one feeling hungry, but the reviewer felt extremely hungry during this test. In addition, once it was started, the nutritional program did not seem as flexible as the work out schedule.

In this review we’ve uncovered how the CyberFit360 online personal training program and nutritional plan can help you shed pounds quickly. The one drawback to this system is that it can prove a bit difficult to alter the diet program, but this should not be much of an issue.

In general, the CyberFit360 program is impressively effective. It is much cheaper and offers more privacy than going to a gym and hiring a personal trainer. What’s more, you are given great advice during your weight loss journey. Give CyberFit360 a try; we’re confident you’ll be taking a step in the right direction.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Try For Free Now at CyberFit360.com

First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice about the Fitbit Wireless Activity Trainer is the size. It is VERY small compared to other fitness gadgets. While this is ideal considering the Fitbit is designed to be worn all day long, you may be concerned about losing it from time to time. With that being said, the manufacturer has gone to great lengths to supply a means of always having somewhere to attach the unit. They even provide a comfortable wrist band to be worn during sleep, and a special belt clip for oversized belts. So, now you have the unit securely attached, what can you expect to learn from it?

Constant Feedback
It should be noted that the Fitbit does not improve fitness in the sense that it tells you what you need to do. What it does do is give you as much feedback as possible on the activities being performed. From the total steps taken to the calories burned during the day, everything is available to you at the click of a button. While this information is always available on the unit itself, the best presentation is saved for when you upload the information onto your PC. With the help of the Fitbit website, you can easily see a comprehensive display of the progress you’ve made that day.

Extra Features
The addition of a sleep monitor, which gives you impressive and vital information on your sleeping patterns, is a great way to see where you are really making gains or losses in your fitness regimen. If convenience is a big selling factor, the unit can be set to transfer data wirelessly whenever you are close to your computer. This eliminates much of the hassle of remembering to keep your online information up to date.

The Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer is a worthwhile investment for those wanting to monitor exactly what is happening to their body, but above all else, it makes training a little bit more fun and engaging.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Visit Fitibit.com
• Get The Fitbit on Amazon
• Read more of our Pedometer Reviews

The P90X2 workout is the result of two years of research and development conducted by a team of the most qualified experts in fitness. P90X2 takes the original Muscle Confusion concept to new heights with Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP), a training technique developed by professional sports trainers to deliver world-class results.

How is P90X2 different from P90X?

P90X2 is the next wave in applied science for body transformation. Like P90X, it’s a complete 90-day program but with all-new, cutting-edge workouts grounded in the most modern thinking in sports science. It takes the principles and foundation of the P90X concept and cranks up the intensity with exercises that demand every ounce of your balance, agility, core strength, and athleticism. P90X2 is also available on Blu-ray with free lifetime disc replacement.

What is Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP)?

Postactivation potentiation has gained popularity in the strength training community recently for its approach to optimizing muscle force and power production above and beyond performance achieved through traditional training methods.  The PAP phenomenon can maximize performance of explosive-based activities such as weightlifting, sprinting, jumping and throwing activities. P90X2 incorporates this phenomenon into a systematic, well-produced DVD workout system for the home.

P90X2 is Available in Three Versions

P90X2 Base

• 12 workouts on 13 DVDs or 4 Blu-ray
• Fitness Guide
• Nutrition Guide
• 90-day Workout Calendar

P90X2 Deluxe

• Includes everything in P90X2 Base, plus:
• 2 bonus P90X2 workouts
• 1 Foam Roller
• 1 55cm PREMIUM Stability Ball
• 2 8-lb. Medicine Balls

P90X2 Ultimate

• Includes everything in P90X2 Base, plus:
• 2 bonus P90X2 workouts
• 1 RumbleRoller
• 1 55cm PREMIUM Stability Ball
• 2 8-lb. Medicine Balls
• Tony Horton’s PowerStands

P90X2 is AVAILABLE NOW

Research has shown that resistance band exercise is comparable to weight lifting with dumbbells in terms of building lean muscle. Unlike dumbbells, resistance bands can be used to work not only arms, shoulders and back, but also legs, abs, and glutes. By creating resistance against your muscles using your own body weight, you’ll get the benefit of longer, leaner muscles. Dumbbells limit your range of motion and are not as flexible when working the lower body. With resistance bands, you can do a variety of standing exercises along with floor work to cover all muscle groups. The flexibility of standing/stepping on or attaching them to a part of your body allows you to maneuver in more ways than one.

Women are increasingly finding resistance band exercises beneficial and opting for this form of strength training. It eliminates the awkwardness of working out in a weight room full of men and the potential for feeling intimidated. Resistance bands are ideal for stay at home moms who have limited time and want to make the most of their workouts. They also offer Pilates lovers more resistance in their moves, mixing up a boring routine and boosting the number of calories burned.

Men looking for variety or to slim down a previously bulky build without losing muscle or having it turn to fat will also benefit from resistance band workouts. They are easy on the joints and work with your own body weight to get into shape, making them a favorite among those with injuries or who want to build strength slowly.

Unlike barbells, dumbbells and strength training machines, resistance bands don’t require an entire room or section of a room dedicated to bulky equipment. And they are much more affordable. Resistance bands easily store away under furniture, in a closet, or a drawer. They’re also easy to transport for those who travel frequently and want to maintain their daily exercise routine — just pack them in your suitcase and work out in your hotel room. Tired of working out at the gym or at home? Throw them in the car and drive down to the local park. By combining a brisk walk with stops along the way to do resistance training, you will significantly boost your metabolism and burn more calories.

Resistance bands are rapidly becoming one of the most popular alternative workout methods. Try incorporating them into traditional weight lifting routines for variety and challenge.

• Read our Resistance Bands Reviews