The package includes an I Ching mat, yoga block, strap and DVD. If purchased separately these items would cost much more.

The mat includes alignment marks to help guide hand and foot placement, the yoga block aids in proper positioning and support, and the yoga strap helps to lengthen and align stretches.

The DVD includes an 8 minute instructional video on how to use the props correctly and build good habits into your yoga practice. This is followed by a 24 minute program led by yoga expert Rodney Yee.

The DVD workout is actually a bit advanced for a beginner’s kit, but gives users something to work up to after mastering the basic skills.

Yoga is highly recommended for improving flexibility, strength and circulation, improving core strength, agility and balance and increasing mental clarity.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Gaiam Yoga For Beginners Kit
• See all Yoga Kits on Amazon

The multi-function Pro Fit Iron Gym fits conveniently in most doorway frames and includes three grip positions (narrow, neutral, and wide) for pullups and chinups. It can also be placed on the floor for pushups, tricep dips, crunches and sit-ups.

The durable steel construction fits most standard door frames between 24 to 32 inches wide and supports users up to 300 pounds. The bar does not require drilling or permanent installation and will not damage walls or doors.

The Push Up Pro is similar to the best-selling Perfect Pushup, facilitating a natural movement of the arms and shoulders to maximize results with less strain on the elbows and wrists. The rotation movement also engages more muscles, resulting in a more complete upper body workout.

Pro Fit Iron Gym with Push Up Pro Product Details

• Pro Fit Iron Gym and Push Up Pro Combo Workout Package
• Iron Gym installs tool-free in doorway, with 3 grips for pull-ups and chin-ups
• Also sits on floor for pushups, dips, and sit-ups; supports up to 300 pounds
• Push-Up Pro handles encourage natural movement of the arms and shoulders
• Workout Bundle includes easy-to-follow upper-body workout guide

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Pro Fit Iron Gym with Push Up Pro Combo Workout Pack
• Compare to the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

Priced between the Ironman 1000 and Ironman 4000, the 2000 model is an excellent mid-range option with a focus on comfort and stability.

Uncomfortable ankle braces are a common complaint of first timer inversion table users. During inversion, much of the body’s weight is supported by the ankles. The Ironman 2000 puts a premium on padded, easily adjustable, secure and comfortable ankle support.

The overall construction is sturdy and well-made and the table has an elegant, aesthetically pleasing look. The inversion transition is smooth and stable and the table has extra long safety handles for easy return to the upright position.

There’s no doubt that inversion therapy works — the act of hanging upside down can help relieve or reverse the effects of gravity on the spine, release tension in the lower back and relieve chronic back pain. It’s also recommend for preventive maintenance and overall well-being.

As with any inversion table, you need to plan where it will be used to allow the table to pivot fully. This unit measures 26 x 65 x 49 inches (W x H x D).

Assembly is straight-forward but relatively involved, taking 1-2 hours.

Ironman Gravity 2000 Product Details

• Sturdy, comfortable inversion table for reducing back stress and stimulating circulation
• Ergonomically molded 2″ soft vinyl covered foam ankle cushions
• Supports users up to 300 pounds and 6’6″ in height
• Durable tubular steel frame, tough nylon backrest
• Scratch resistant powder-coated finish
• Rubber non-skid floor stabilizers
• Folds for storage

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Buy the Ironman Gravity 2000 Inversion Table
• Compare to other popular Inversion Tables on Amazon
• Ironman Gravity Inversion Tables (ALL MODELS) currently on eBay

New Ironman Gravity 1000 Inversion Table - MSRP $199.99 US $149.95 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-12-2010 8:37:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

Ironman Gravity 4000 Inversion Table BRAND NEW!! US $198.90 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-12-2010 11:27:30 PDT   | Watch this Item

The space-saving design is ideal for small rooms, but with this comes a relatively short walking surface (16″ x 36″ belt), that’s not recommended for users of above average height. A 6’ tall individual will need to stay aware of over-stepping the tread area — not something you want to be thinking about during a workout.

Otherwise the Paradigm Fitness Walking Treadmill provides a safe, stable and comfortable workout, as advertised. Extra long safety handles add to walking security and balance at any speed. The ground-level walking surface makes it easy to get on and off the treadmill.

The control panel is simple to use and monitors time, distance, calories & walking speed.  A speed control button fixed to the handle bar makes it easy to adjust the motor speed.

The walking area and belt come fully assembled. The arms, legs and display unit are easily attached. The treadmill folds for storage and includes transportation wheels.

Paradigm Fitness Walking Electric Treadmill Product Details

• 1.5 HP motor with 4MPH maximum speed
• Heavy-duty frame is designed for extra weight support
• Ground-level walking surface and wide side rails
• LCD displays time, distance, calories burned and speed for easy reference
• Folds for space-saving storage and moves easily on built-in wheels
• 350-pound maximum user weight; 1-year warranty for frame and 5 years for motor

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Paradigm Fitness Walking Electric Treadmill
• Compare to other powered and manual walking treadmills

The Adidas miCoach Pacer provides real-time updated audio feedback and guidance, adjusting to your level of effort, to keep your mind stimulated and body challenged.

The device connects to an MP3 player (or any other audio source using a 3.5 mm audio jack) and communicates stats on pace, distance, time, strides, heart-rate and calories burned. There are four easy-to-follow colored zones customized to your goals, fitness level, and preferred coaching method.

The package includes three separate fitness devices that work together seamlessly — a heart rate monitor chest strap, a stride sensor that measures speed, distance and stride rate and clips to your shoe, and the main unit that collects data and attaches to an armband or shirt. After a 12-minute assessment run to calibrate the three components, the Pacer begins collecting data as you walk, jog or run.

Adidas appears to have found the right balance of providing only the most vital information without an overly complicated interface or steep learning curve. But this is a relatively expensive accessory in a market of thousands of hi-tech devices, some too complex, some to simplistic, designed to provide fitness training assistance.

For a more affordable option (about half the price), consider the miCoach Zone which provides visual rather than audible feedback. The Nike+ is another lower-priced option that includes a social networking interface, but requires a compatible iPod and provides less statistical information.

The miCoach Pacer plugs into a PC or Mac using an included USB cable. The intuitive online workout manager allows you to upload data from the Pacer and select beginner, advanced or customized workout plans.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here to get the Adidas miCoach Pacer
• Compare to the Adidas miCoach Zone

miCoach Pacer Video Demo

While Flexcords may not compete with resistance band industry-leader Bodylastics, this is an impressive set of above-average quality bands and an inexpensive alternative to a home gym or set of adjustable dumbbells.

The Flexcords package includes six color-coded resistance bands, each with a different tension, suited to beginner or advanced users. The set offers resistance from 2-55 pounds, supporting over 100 exercises.

Again using Bodylastics as a benchmark comparison, the Flexcords grips are comfortable but not padded and contoured. Also, multiple bands cannot be hooked to a single handle — each of the six bands has it’s own permanently attached handle. This makes it not advisable or at best cumbersome to use more than one simultaneously. That said, the choice of six bands will provide ample resistance for most users.

Proper resistance band training strengthens the stabilizing muscles as well as the targeted muscle group, increasing core and joint strength and improving posture. The wide range of motion and constant tension also serve to stretch the muscle to better improve tone and endurance.

Resistance bands are also ideal for reducing the risk of injury and rehab to safely repair injured muscles.

Flexcords resistance bands provide a smooth, seamless workout and give you dynamic control of your routines without sacrificing quality.

Flexcords Resistance Bands Set Product Details

• White Lightning Flexcord: 40 – 55 lbs
• Blue Flexcord: 28 – 40 lbs
• Red FLexcord: 18 – 28 lbs
• Green Flexcord: 12 – 18 lbs
• Orange Flexcord: 7 – 12 lbs
• Yellow Flexcord: 3 – 6 lbs
• Door Attachment
• Exercise chart
• Light and portable
• 90 day money back guarantee

More Info & Product Details

• Get the Flexcords Resistance Bands Set
• Compare to all bestselling Resistance Bands on Amazon

The R514 features a biomechanically-correct design, extra comfort features, enhanced programming, and an integrated Polar heart rate monitoring system.

Recumbent bikes are designed to ease strain on the back with ergonomic seat positioning. The R514 includes adjustable lumbar support for added comfort.

The convenient step-through design makes it easy to get on and off the bike, the seat is well-padded, comfortable, and easily slides forward or backwards to suit users of multiple heights.

Like most Nautilus equipment, the R514 Recumbent is solid and well-built. There are 16 levels of resistance available on a hefty 20-pound flywheel and the electronically controlled magnetic resistance provides a smooth and efficient workout.

The blue backlit LCD console is relatively complicated but includes more features than most will ever use. There are 7 profile courses, 2 programmable user profiles and 20 total programs to track your progress and compete against yourself.

There are 4 Polar heart rate monitoring programs, with telemetry, grip and chest belt (included). Polar is unquestionably the premier heart rate monitoring brand and makes a perfect complement to this well-engineered, feature rich recumbent bike.

Although marketed as “compact” this is not a small piece of equipment — it measures 67 x 25 x 52 inches (L x W x H), so plan your workout space before purchase.

Assembly takes 1-2 hours but the instructions are clear and straight-forward. There are some addenda to the assembly instructions printed on separate sheets. We recommend downloading the most updated assembly instructions.

Nutilus R514 Recumbent Bike Product Features

• Feature-rich recumbent exercise bike
• 16 resistance levels and 20-pound flywheel
• Blue backlit LCD display with an easy to read console
• 7 profile courses, 2 programmable user profiles, 20 total programs
• 4 Polar heart rate programs, with telemetry, grip and chest belt
• Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
• Multi-point seat and console adjustments
• Oversized deluxe pedals
• Powerful fan and built-in storage basket
• 300-pound maximum user weight
• 10-year warranty on frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Visit the Nautilus/Bowflex site for more information on the R514 Recumbent Bike
• The Nautilus R514 Recumbent Exercise Bike available on Amazon

The large, easy-to-read interface displays four lines of data and maintains accuracy by never losing connection with the transmitter. Speed display is accurate to 0.1 kph/mph and distance display to 0.01 kph/mph.

To ease setup time, the 11 most popular wheel sizes are pre-programmed into the computer chip. This model includes two-bike settings with individual and combined odometers, and a 100-hour ride time or total time chronograph.

Blackburn’s Delphi 4.0 also features a 20-lap chronograph with real-time memory, and a backlight for easy viewing. Like all Delphi cyclometers, the 4.0 fits regular and oversized bars, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

There have been some user complaints about subpar Blackburn customer service. Compare to cycle computers from Polar, a company with a reputation for superior customer service.

Blackburn Delphi 4.0 Bicycle Cyclometer Product Details

• Oversized, easy-to-read display with four lines of data
• User-friendly interface
• Speed display accurate to 0.1 kph/mph, distance to 0.01 kph/mph
• 11 most popular wheel sizes pre-programmed
• 20-lap chronograph with real-time memory
• Wireless speed and distance, and wired current, average, and max cadence
• Limited lifetime warranty

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Blackburn Delphi 4.0 Bicycle Cyclometer
• Compare to all bestselling Cyclometers on Amazon

EA Sports 2.0  will include a heart rate monitor, wireless tracking, and a new online hub to download new workouts, create fitness groups and track and share workout data.

Kinect for Xbox 360 Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways – no controller required. “Delivering EA SPORTS Active 2 on Kinect  for Xbox 360 is a natural fit for fitness and the ability to track full body movement will create a fluid workout experience that delivers real results,” says Andrew Wilson, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Development, EA SPORTS.  “It is the perfect complement to our EA SPORTS Active suite of fitness products and is indicative of our commitment to deliver new experiences for new audiences. We’re excited to expand on the top rated fitness franchise on the market.” Learn more about Xbox 360 Kinect on Xbox.com.

EA SPORTS Active is currently the number one rated interactive fitness program for the Wii on the market and was recently proven to be an effective workout as measured against the American College for Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines. EA SPORTS Active focuses on improving muscular strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as improving cardio which can help achieve fitness goals including building muscle, increase energy levels and weight loss.

EA SPORTS Active 2 products will offer the same, high-quality exercise experience with over 70 new exercises and fitness activities including exercises not possible before the Total Body Tracking wireless control system.

[Source: EA Sports Active]

• Read our EA Sports Active review
• See all Fitness Game reviews

This pull up bar from Pacillo’s Fitness features perpendicular neutral grip handles as well as the standard angled handles seen on all joist mount bars. The multiple handles allow for varied grip positions while performing pull ups, chin ups, spread pulls and side pulls.

Unlike some removable doorway chin up bars, stability and sturdiness will be of no concern when this heavy gauge steel bar is properly installed into a joist.

What’s the difference between a chin up and a pull up? A chin up is performed with your palms facing you, while a a pull up is performed with your palms facing away from you.

This joist mount pull up bar is ideal for mounting in a garage, basement or other out of the way location. It measures 48″ in length and includes knurled grips on the angled, middle, and traverse handles.

Important note: Installation requires drilling. The bar is attached to the joist using four large bolts, not screws.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Click here for the Joist Mounted Pull Up Bar with Neutral Grip Handles
• Compare to all bestselling Pull Up Bars on Amazon