Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » cardio

Mobia by Nautilus Review | 3-in-1 (Stepper, Treadmill, Elliptical) Home workout

Editor — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:20:39 +0000

Combining the climbing motion of a stair stepper, the low-impact benefits of an elliptical trainer and the forward movement of a treadmill, the Mobia by Nautilus aims to take the health benefits of “walking” to a new level.

Nautilus, owner of Bowflex is sometimes criticized for over-hyped, gimmicky fitness equipment, but Gizmodo called Mobia the “iPod of Treadmills”, in part because of the clean white and black aesthetic and sleek, intuitive console.

This machine is designed for 3-in-1, high efficiency walking, not running — the maximum speed is just 4 mph.

Mobia’s independently moving “treadles” let you walk forward like a treadmill while stepping up like a stair climber. These two actions combined provide a core-strengthening cardio workout that’s easy on the ankles and knees. When you step on a treadle it depresses under your weight, absorbing impact and providing the feeling of walking in sand.

In a study conducted at New York’s Adelphi University, Mobia modality burned up to 2 times more calories in 30 minutes than a treadmill at the same speed.

The display tracks 5 functions: Speed, Distance, Time, Total Calories and Heart Rate.

The Mobia comes with a Telemetry Chest Strap that wirelessly monitors heart rate and the specialized Nautilus Nutrition Plan and Introduction to Fitness Guide. Maximum wight capacity is 300 lbs.

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Wii Fit Platform | Aerobics Step Extender for Nintendo Wii Balance Board

Editor — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:48:35 +0000

The Aerobics Step Platform for Wii Fit is a welcomed enhancement to the Wii Balance Board, intensifying and adding a new dimension to Wii Fit workouts.

The platform can be used with any fitness game utilizing the Balance Board, including Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, Gold’s Gym Cardio and EA sports Active.

The easy-to-assemble platform is lightweight but very stable and supports users up to 350 pounds. When attached to the bottom of the Wii Balance Board, the platform adds 3 inches in step height. The rubber pegs under the platform provide a secure grip on most services.

Use of this platform requires removing the press-on extensions that come with the Balance Board. Some users report slight inaccuracies in recognizing the number of steps. Be sure to use this device on a flat, sturdy floor.

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The FIRM Workout Wave Kit | Body Sculpting, Speed Slimming Board & Step Combo

Editor — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:56:24 +0000

Millions have seen the engaging infomercials for this innovative and fun fitness system. No longer and exclusive TV offer, The Wave Kit is now available from many online stores.

Manufactured by The FIRM, a trusted name in fitness, The Wave adds some excitement to your workouts while toning the thighs, abs and glutes — and working the core with every move you make. The routines effectively combine cardio and strength training using “Speed Slimming” intervals.

The Wave is a double sided personal “gym” that allows for both rocking, wave riding motions and stepping exercises in one durable, compact design.

With the curved side down you can rock side to side or turn 90 degrees and walk back and forth (see the video below). The curved side up provides a stable, anchored surface at an optimal height for step exercises.

The three interactive DVD workouts include Ride The Wave (10 minutes), Rock It Off! (40 minutes), and Speed Slimming Sculpt (30 minutes).

The kit also includes an accessory mat for stability and protection and a Weight Loss Success Guide Book.

The FIRM Wave Kit Product Details

Innovative personal workout system
The Wave double sided rocking/stepping unit
Over 100 total body sculpting & toning exercises
3 interactive DVDs: Ride the WAVE, Speed Slimming SCULPT, and Rock it OFF
Weight Loss Success Guide Book
Compact, easy-to-follow system

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The Wave Video Demonstration

Stamina 9200 CPS Cycling Bike | Indoor Spinning Cycle with Authentic Outdoor Biking Features

Editor — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:20:57 +0000

The design and construction of the Stamina 9200 CPS Indoor Cycling Bike helps bring the visceral experience of cycling outdoors on a road bike into your living room or home gym.

This spinning bike runs smoothly and quietly on a weighted flywheel that gains speed in a manner that feels like an outdoor bike. The durable steel frame lets you stand up and pedal vigorously as if cycling uphill. The design incorporates more muscles throughout the body than traditional upright indoor bikes.

This bike does not include a monitor or computer programs to track speed, distance, calories burned etc.

At 29 pounds the flywheel is appropriate for casual home users but lighter than higher end models. Compare to the Fitness Master Indoor Spinning Cycle.

Easy tension adjustment lets you choose a from a spectrum of difficulty levels. The seat can also be adjusted both vertically and horizontally for a wide range of riding positions. The no-slip, vinyl covered handlebars are adjustable for freedom of movement.

The Stamina 9200 CPS includes a water bottle and holder as well as wheels for easier transportation. Maximum user weight is 300 pounds.

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Aero Speed Hyperformance Jump Rope | Olympic Caliber Fitness Accessory from Buddy Lee

Editor — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:20:31 +0000

The Aero Speed jump-rope has become the standard by which all other ropes are judged. Co-invented by accomplished Olympian Buddy Lee, The Aero Speed was the officially licensed jump rope of the 2008 US Olympic Team.

The rope uses a patented swivel bearing-loaded handle system that effectively eliminates friction. The swivel mechanism allows fast and smooth motion while providing control in all directions with little to no rope tangle.

The frictionless performance helps you increase speed and endurance quickly and allows for easy double jumps and smooth cross-overs.

Jumping rope can burn up to 1000 calories per hour, making it one of the most efficient exercises possible. It tones and strengthens all major muscle groups and develops cardiovascular conditioning while maximizing athletic skills like agility, coordination, timing, and endurance.

The Aero Speed Hyperperformance Jump Rope is adjustable for different user heights. To find the optimal length, stand on the rope with both feet together. The tip of the handles should reach no higher than the arm pits. While jumping the rope should barely skim the surface of the floor.

Like most tube constructed jump ropes the plastic can wear over time. It’s best for use indoors on carpet or tile floors, not outdoors on concrete.

The price is steep but this is a good investment in a high-quality quality product.

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Fitness Master Indoor Spinning Cycle | X Series Momentum Home Exercise Bike with Outdoor Cycling Feel

Editor — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Unlike most home exercise bikes the Fitness Master X Series Momentum has no complicated electronics, does not require electricity and gets by without a computer console. This is a heavy, substantial spinning bike that simulates the riding effort of an outdoor road cycle. Learn more about spinning here.

The X series Momentum features a hefty 44 lb flywheel and a quiet, low maintenance belt drive. The ergonomic seat is anatomically engineered, adjustable both vertically and horizontally and includes a mid-section cut-away for easy mounting.

The spinning system incorporates clincher resistance and the flywheel can be halted using the quick stop knob.

The cycle pedals are high performance, weighted and include comfortable and secure foot straps. The pro style handle bar is also adjustable both horizontally and vertically.

With no electronics you won’t be concerned about the computer operations breaking down, not uncommon for exercise bike display panels, but you won’t be able to track time, speed, distance etc. A good heart rate monitor is recommended when using this type of bike.

While assembly is a relatively easy six step process the components are heavy; the assembled bike weights 125 pounds. The package includes all the required tools.

The bike comes with a Momentum water bottle and an outdoor bicycle style water bottle holder.

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Phoenix Spinning Exercise Bike | 98623 Revolution Cycle Pro II Affordable Road-Like Home Cycling

Editor — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:15:00 +0000

The Revolution Cycle Pro II from Phoenix blends a sleek and modern design with sturdy construction and state of the art features for a superior home cycling experience.

So why is such a well-built bike available at a low-mid level price range? Unlike most uprights and recumbents, this spinning bike has no computer console — which means no workout programs or progress tracking. If that’s a prerequisite, then there’s no need to read on.

The bike features a number of unique adjustment options to suit users of different fitness levels and body sizes. The flywheel tension is adjusted with a few turns of a knob to accommodate novice to intermediate riders. Among the most convenient elements is a two-way seat design that adjusts the saddle both vertically and horizontally, even during a workout. The handlebar positioning is also easily adjustable.

The direct drive resistance system allows the rider to pedal both forward and backward after slowing flywheel inertia with the quick-stop hand brake. The flywheel does not continue spinning when pedaling is paused. The brake can also be used in the event of an emergency.

The bike comes mostly assembled and can be completed and ready to ride in less than an hour. At 130 pounds it’s relatively heavy, adding stability but also making it more difficult to transport or store.

Forward leaning handlebars and racing foot pedals lend a road bike feel to the Revolution Cycle Pro II. It’s also outfitted with a heat treated axle and sturdy toe clips molded with the same alloy materials used in off-road racing.

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Schwinn Stationary Upright Exercise Bike | Active 10 Series Compact Home Fitness

Editor — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:11:13 +0000

The Schwinn Active 10 Series shuns excess frills, complicated computer programs and prohibitive expense and is a solid option for those in the market for an entry-level exercise bike.

This Schwinn model gets by on the bare essentials while still providing a comfortable, nearly noiseless and effective cardio workout. The compact design takes up considerably less space than a treadmill or elliptical trainer and is ideal for apartments and other cramped living spaces.

Despite the diminutive build the bike is sturdy and features smooth, quiet belt drive operation and eight levels of magnetic resistance.

The console tracks speed, time, RPM, distance, pulse and calories burned. There are 11 preset programs to add variety to your rides.

The display is digital and easy to read but does not incorporate multiple windows or the back light feature seen on higher end models.

Heart rate is monitored through grip sensors on the bike’s handlebars.

This model does not include a folding mechanism but the size and light weight make it relatively easy to move and store.

Although the user capacity is stated at 275 pounds, in reality this bike is best suited for average weights between 100 and 200 pounds.

The Schwinn Active Series 10 combines sound design and an adequate number of basic features at a reasonable price. For an even more affordable option — the lowest priced upright that we can comfortably recommend — see the Marcy PL-43211 Upright Mag Cycle.

Schwinn Active 10 Series Product Details

Space saving upright home exercise bike
Easy to use LCD display
Eleven workout programs
Six preset workout profiles, one manual, three heart rate control, and one target heart rate
Grip sensor heart rate monitoring
Computer controlled, magnetic resistance with eight difficulty levels
Stable integrated leveling feet for stability and floor protection
Sleek, modern design with silver and black finish
Measures 40″ x 20″ x 53″ and weighs 58 pounds

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Smooth Fitness CE3.2 Elliptical Cross Trainer | Low Impact Workout with Automatic Resistance Adjustment

Editor — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:35:35 +0000

The Smooth Fitness CE3.2 is rated a notch below their highly regarded CE7.4 model but still offers plenty of stability, durability and extra features.

The heavy duty construction provides a solid health club quality feel, an 18 lb flywheel and a user capacity of 300 lbs. The machine measures 76″ x 26″ x 67″ and weighs 175 pounds.

The CE3.2 keeps your routine at the optimal intensity level by adjusting resistance automatically. This is done by referencing your pre-determined optimum heart rate level and the current feedback from the wireless heart-rate strap.

The action of the pivoting foot pedals is smooth through all resistance ranges and mimics the natural progression of the leg during walking and running. Lower body alignment is maintained while reducing stress on the hips and knees.

The 4-window computer console tracks course profiles, speed, time, distance, heart rate, calories and 16 resistance levels. User profile memory stores age, weight and target heart rate settings.

A note of caution: Smooth Fitness is an online only retailer and the 30 day 100% return policy is contingent on retaining the original packaging. Smooth offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and braking system, 3-year warranty on all parts plus one year of in-home service.

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Women’s MS-90 Mini Stepper with Twister Plate/Board | Cardio, Flexibility and Calorie Burning

Editor — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:35:56 +0000

The MS-90 incorporates a basic stepper, a separate twisting disk and two sets of light dumbbells for a quick, well-rounded and varied cardio/aerobic workout.

The machine is compact, simple to assemble and very easy to use. The twister plate can be removed to further save space in small rooms. On top of the pole sits a small, a very basic computer monitor that tracks steps and time only.

If you’re looking for a robust, sturdy piece of cardio equipment, this is not the best choice. The machine wobbles a bit as you exercise, not unexpected from something so small. But the non-slip pedals and rubber non-skid footpads help maintain balance. Both the stepper and twister provide a good range of motion and an adequate workout.

The MS-90 is marketed as a “hers” option, although there’s no reason why it can’t be used by men as well.

MS-90 Mini Stepper with Twister Plate Product Details

Step machine for cardio/aerobic exercise and calorie burning
Twister board trims waist and improves flexibility
Two 2-pound and two 3-pound neoprene dumbbells
Slip resistant pedals and rubber non-skid footpads
Comfortable foam grip handlebars
Basic exercise computer tracks progress

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a very basic computer monitor that tracks steps and time only.