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CyberFit360 Personal Training Program | Online Fitness Software Review

Steve — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:02:06 +0000

Having one’s own personal trainer, available whenever needed, is a dream for many — one that has finally become a reality, thanks to CyberFit360. Like many similar and competing online personalized workout programs, CyberFit360 has been developed for individuals who can’t afford a real personal trainer. Here, we reveal some pros and cons of this program, so you can decide for yourself if it meets your training needs.

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.

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Try For Free Now at CyberFit360.com

Stepping Out with the Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer | Measure Steps, Calories & Sleep

Steve — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:13:05 +0000

Personal health and fitness is a growing industry, and as with any industry, there are always some products that stand out from the crowd — products that really make a difference. The Fitbit Wireless Personal Trainer claims to be one of those products, so we decided to take a closer look and see what it has to offer and what advantages can be found by using the device on a regular basis.

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.

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One Size Fits All Adjustable Weighted Vest | ZFO 40-80 Lbs, Weights Included

Steve — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:45:00 +0000

ZFO (ZFitness) produces versatile and durable weighed vests that are an affordable alternative to industry leaders Xvest and MiR.

Designed for both men and women, this one size fits all vest contours and stays snug to the body even under the most extreme workouts.

Weighted vests are an excellent method for gradually adding resistance to a training routine. Weight is adjusted by adding or removing 4-lb. tightly packed, securely enclosed bars of sand to the vest pockets on either side of the vest.

Weighted vests are ideal for power walking, polymeric exercises, hill bounding, running, lateral drills, vertical jumps, squats, lunges, dips, pull-ups and push-ups.

Although the package does not include any type of documentation, adjusting weight is a fairly simple and intuitive process.

The ZFO Adjustable Weighted Vest is an excellent starter option for those looking for a reliable vest at a reasonable price.

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Joseph Pilates Spine Corrector Barrel | Strengthen Core and Develop Healthy Back

Steve — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:44:04 +0000

Used in Pilates studios around the world, the Spine Corrector “Barrel” is intended to correct and restore the spine to its natural curve.

Designed by Joseph Pilates himself, the barrel opens the chest, strengthens the abdominal, back and shoulder muscles and helps maintain a supple, flexible and healthy spine.

With aging comes the loss of the natural curvature of the spine. A misshapen spine can lead to a variety of health issues. Consistent use of this barrel or other corrective device can reverse humpback and allow for deeper, more natural breathing.

The package includes a 20-minute video, unfortunately on VHS tape rather than DVD, featuring Pilates Instructor Romana Kryzanowska and Elite Pilates Trainer Marjolein Brugman demonstrating proper form for 14 different exercises.

The Spine Corrector Barrel workouts also tone and trim thighs and strengthen the body’s core. The barrel weighs 18 pounds, is sturdy, comfortably padded and includes side handles for portability and use with specific exercises.

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The Spine Corrector Barrel workout also tones and trims thighs and strengthens the body’s core. The barrel weighs 18 pounds, is sturdy, comfortably padded and includes handles on the side used for specific exercises and portability.

MP3 Audio Coaching and Real-Time Training | Adidas miCoach Pacer Interactive Fitness Gadget

Steve — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:28:27 +0000

Every body is unique, every heart is different. Imagine having a personal trainer that listens to your heart, understands your strengths and weaknesses and pushes you to your limits.

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.

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miCoach Pacer Video Demo

Wireless Bicycle Cyclometer/Odometer/Chronograph | Blackburn Delphi 4.0

Steve — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:38:55 +0000

The Delphi 4.0 Cyclometer from Blackburn is a multi-function biking accessory for casual or serious cyclists alike. It offers a convenient, user-friendly way to wirelessly monitor essential cycling stats, including speed (current, average and max) distance (trip and total) and cadence (current, average and max).

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

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Nike Plus+ Sport Band | Accurate & Motivating Workout Accessory

Steve — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:18:33 +0000

The Nike+ Sport Band accurately tracks calorie expenditure, time, pace and distance travelled, storing up to 30 hours of data.

The function of this product is similar to the Nike+ iPod Kit but with a simple, no-frills design that doesn’t talk or play music.

The device records data by syncing with a sensor placed in your shoe and connects to a computer USB port to upload workout information to NikePlus.com. The website interface is aesthetically pleasing and motivating.

The easy-to-read display doubles as a watch and provides live feedback. There are only two buttons — one that starts, stops, and resets the distance meter, and another that changes display views between time, distance, pace, and calories burned.

To ensure accurate measurements you must first calibrate the sensor and enter personal information including age, weight and date.

The one-size-fits-all Nike+ Sport Band is lightweight, Water resistant and made of durable polycarbonate.

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Reading Rack for Treadmills, Ellipticals, Steppers and Execise Bikes

Steve — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:09:14 +0000

Reading a book or flipping through a magazine during a workout is an excellent way to occupy the mind and keep boredom at bay.

The Up and Over reading rack can be used on virtually any type of cardio equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, steppers and exercise bikes.

This functional and durable clear plastic rack easily hooks over the top of your fitness machine’s monitor. The 11.75″ wide shelf securely holds magazines, newspapers or any size book — even bulky volumes or textbooks.

Top Hook: 2.25 inches Top Lip: 1 inch Lower Hook: 1.75 inches Lower Lip: 1.13 inches Dimensions: 8.5″H x 11.75″W.

Want to use your laptop while working out? See our SurfShelf review.

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Folding Exercise/Stretching Mat | SPRI TFM-2R 6 X 2 Thick & Soft Cushioned Floor Mat

Steve — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:37:10 +0000

Here’s a high quality, relatively expensive exercise mat for those who prefer extra cushioning for their floor exercises.

At 72″ x 24″ this mat is larger than most, allowing a 6 foot tall user to stretch out fully.

The mat’s durable vinyl surface is as easy to clean as wiping down a weight bench. It will not gather dirt and oil like cheaper foam-only gym mats.

The single fold design and carrying handles are convenient for storage and transport.

This mat may not be the best choice for Yoga routines as the 1.5″ padding can affect balance during standing poses. It’s best for stretching and toning exercises performed while lying down.

SPRI TFM-2R Folding Exercise Mat Product Details

Single-fold floor mat for performing floor exercises
Extra-soft 1.5″ cushioning
Folds in half for easy transport and storage
Black surface is quick and easy to clean
Includes handles
Measures 72″ x 1.5″ x 24 “

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Wall Mount Dip Bar Station | Joist Mountable with Space Saving Folding Handles

Steve — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:51:34 +0000

From the makers of the Joist Mount Chin Up Station, here’s another wall-mounted bar designed specifically for dip workouts.

A dip is a compound exercise, excellent for working a large number of upper body muscles including the triceps, deltoids and upper pectorals.

The Wall Mount Dip Station is relatively easy to install using the included 3/8″ x 3″ lag bolts and flat washers. It’s ideal for a home gym, garage or basement.

The 6″ hand grips fold up to conserve space, protruding only about 5 inches from the wall when not in use.

For portable options that don’t require permanent wall-mounting, see our P90X Chin-Up Bar and Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar reviews.