Exercise equipment is something we all know of, yet it is something we may not know much about. For starters, we don’t buy it very often. When we do buy it, it is a big purchase and we don’t want to make a mistake. We’ve all heard the horror stories of the “expensive coat racks” in our friends’ houses, right? Maybe you even have an expensive home “accessory” that you hoped would be serving a healthier purpose.
It’s ok, we have all made purchases that didn’t work out for the best. With exercise equipment there are a few key things to consider before buying in order to avoid this:
What are your fitness goals?
This sounds like common sense, but you have to ask yourself the question before starting anything new. When purchasing exercise equipment, you are going to be making a big commitment to something. You are making the biggest commitment to yourself, but if you jump into something you are not going to use, it will feel like a big failure. Consider the following categories and determine which is most important to you:
- Endurance
- Strength
- Flexibility
- General Health
What do you really like to do?
It is easy to see something on TV or to have someone tell you about their results using a certain piece of equipment. The hard part is picking the equipment that you will use and will enjoy using for months and years to come. That is why the first question you should ask yourself is: “Will I really like doing this in 6 months?” Think about the following types of equipment that you can buy for your home:
- Treadmill
- Eliptical machine
- Stationary bike
- Universal cable machine
- Weight Bench/Free weights
- Resistance bands
- Other (as seen on TV products)
How much space do you have/want to use?
Space is a big consideration. There is a big difference between a home gym and a DVD. You can take up as much or as little space in your home as possible. Some people need a separate area to do their exercise while others like it to be integrated into everyday life and take up little space. Determine how you would like your “home gym” to look before you jump into a purchase.
What is your price-range?
This sounds simple, but you can spend as little or as much money as you want on exercise equipment. One of the common barriers to buying equipment is the belief that it is too expensive. It doesn’t have to be and it you are looking for the right thing, you may not need to get the highest priced option.
Once you have asked these questions and have a clear picture of what might be the best piece of equipment for you and your home, you can start looking. That can be an intimidating process too. Be sure to look at research and review websites before you start shopping.
Once you have reviewed and determined which brands, models and features you are looking for, you are ready to purchase. The prices could still vary greatly, so shopping is a good idea.
- Local options -Go talk to reps, ask questions, try equipment and see what your best options are going to be. Have a list of features you are looking for and a price that you want to pay and you can make sure you are getting what you want while keeping it within your budget.
- Direct Manufacturer sites - Once you know the brand you are looking for, you can go directly to their website or call them to get more info. In many cases you can actually purchase equipment directly from them too.
Purchasing exercise equipment can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be too difficult. If you are able to try anything out beforehand, talk to people that have used it before or visit stores to test it out, you will have a much better feel for what you are looking for.
Convenience is one of the most common reasons for people not going to a gym or getting enough exercise in on a regular basis. Having equipment at home is a great way to make it easier for you to reach your goals. There is nothing more convenient than having the tools you need right in the comfort of your home. As long as you are taking the time to make an educated purchase, owning exercise equipment is a great investment that can pay many dividends physically, mentally and emotionally.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Health and Independence
We talk about freedom a lot in our country. We all have it because of some fed-up colonists and many brave soldiers that have fought for us over the years. We use it to pursue dreams and live the lives we want to live.
But, are we really using it to live the lives we want to live? I ask that question, not to point a finger and anyone’s lifestyle or say that they are not living the way they should. I have no agenda when it comes to what you do for a living, where you spend your time or what you believe in. I think this country is great because of our differences. I think we were built on this principle and as long as we can learn from each other, we will use these differences to continue our journey.
Journeys are something that fascinate our society. We like stories about them and we use them in analogies with sports teams, education and of course in business. Journeys are something that take a long time. They take perseverance. They take guts. We admire those that take journeys. We admire those that make them successfully.
But, what defines success on a journey? Is it arriving at our desired destination? Is it how quickly we get to that destination? Is it how well we navigate the trail? There are countless ways to measure success in any area and a journey is no different.
We are all on a journey today. We each have all been on at least one journey since we were born. Many months and even years of the journey are not even something we remember. We just started doing what we do and pretty soon we started to realize what we were good at, not so good at and what we liked and didn’t like. As we got more and more comfortable with all of these realizations, we started to choose other journeys.
The journey that I talk about the most is health. It is what I do and what my company does, so clearly I have been in a conversation or two with people talking about their health journey. This journey is different for everyone. We all have goals and we all have challenges, but no one is on the same journey. It’s just like taking a trip. You may be going to the same place, but you are taking different roads to get there. Even if you are on the same road, we are all in different cars and have our own experiences along the way.
These experiences remind me of the summer road trip. Many of us are getting in cars and heading to places unknown over the summer. In fact, the 4th of July ties all of these themes together. It’s the birthday of our country, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate our freedom. It is a time when many venture out to see family and friends or simply to get out for a quick break over a long weekend.
This summer, we are all free to do what we want. We can go anywhere and do anything. That is why I ask the question: Are we really using it to live the lives we want to live? Ask yourself: Am I really living the life I want to live? When it comes to your freedom, are you using it? How independent are you?
This may sound like a malicious and pointed question, but I ask because it is important to ask. If we don’t ask questions, we don’t really measure and assess ourselves. What was true about our journey years ago, may or may not be true today.
Let’s take food for example: How much independence do you have when it comes to your food? Do you know what is in it or where does it come from? Even if you can answer that or simply don’t care, can you answer the question that we all need to start asking: did I choose to eat this because I like it or because it was easy?
Many times per day, people through their independence out the window when they shuffle to the counter or roll through the drive-thru. Even at the grocery store, we buy what is on sale or what catches our attention with signage and packaging. Or we simply buy what is easy to prepare.
No matter what “decisions” we make from day to day, we are choosing not based on what we want, but on what we think is easy or what someone is telling us to choose. We are convinced on a daily basis to eat, drink and buy. We do not choose, we are told or coerced.
I’m not attacking food companies, restaurants or even the people that fall into this trap every day. I too enjoy convenience. I do things that make my life easier every day. I also enjoy business and being successful. I do things every day that help my business grow and progress. That isn’t the problem.
A large part of America’s glory is our economic prowess and the ability of people to start and grow successful businesses into national and even global powerhouses in all industries, some even creating their own industries and inspiring a whole new generation of businesses to follow.
Clearly I’m not suggesting that business or food is the problem. The problem is us. We are choosing not to choose. We are dependent on what is put in front of us. We are relying on the companies that make more money when we eat more.
This summer, do me a favor and think about that for a minute. Ask yourself some key questions and think about how you answer them. When you look at the contents of your grocery cart, ask yourself why those items are there. When you find yourself eating lunch, ask yourself why you are eating what you are eating. Did you choose these things because you like the, or did you choose them because they were easy? The most important question you can ask is: Are you making independent choices or simply letting others tell you what to eat?
But, are we really using it to live the lives we want to live? I ask that question, not to point a finger and anyone’s lifestyle or say that they are not living the way they should. I have no agenda when it comes to what you do for a living, where you spend your time or what you believe in. I think this country is great because of our differences. I think we were built on this principle and as long as we can learn from each other, we will use these differences to continue our journey.
Journeys are something that fascinate our society. We like stories about them and we use them in analogies with sports teams, education and of course in business. Journeys are something that take a long time. They take perseverance. They take guts. We admire those that take journeys. We admire those that make them successfully.
But, what defines success on a journey? Is it arriving at our desired destination? Is it how quickly we get to that destination? Is it how well we navigate the trail? There are countless ways to measure success in any area and a journey is no different.
We are all on a journey today. We each have all been on at least one journey since we were born. Many months and even years of the journey are not even something we remember. We just started doing what we do and pretty soon we started to realize what we were good at, not so good at and what we liked and didn’t like. As we got more and more comfortable with all of these realizations, we started to choose other journeys.
The journey that I talk about the most is health. It is what I do and what my company does, so clearly I have been in a conversation or two with people talking about their health journey. This journey is different for everyone. We all have goals and we all have challenges, but no one is on the same journey. It’s just like taking a trip. You may be going to the same place, but you are taking different roads to get there. Even if you are on the same road, we are all in different cars and have our own experiences along the way.
These experiences remind me of the summer road trip. Many of us are getting in cars and heading to places unknown over the summer. In fact, the 4th of July ties all of these themes together. It’s the birthday of our country, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate our freedom. It is a time when many venture out to see family and friends or simply to get out for a quick break over a long weekend.
This summer, we are all free to do what we want. We can go anywhere and do anything. That is why I ask the question: Are we really using it to live the lives we want to live? Ask yourself: Am I really living the life I want to live? When it comes to your freedom, are you using it? How independent are you?
This may sound like a malicious and pointed question, but I ask because it is important to ask. If we don’t ask questions, we don’t really measure and assess ourselves. What was true about our journey years ago, may or may not be true today.
Let’s take food for example: How much independence do you have when it comes to your food? Do you know what is in it or where does it come from? Even if you can answer that or simply don’t care, can you answer the question that we all need to start asking: did I choose to eat this because I like it or because it was easy?
Many times per day, people through their independence out the window when they shuffle to the counter or roll through the drive-thru. Even at the grocery store, we buy what is on sale or what catches our attention with signage and packaging. Or we simply buy what is easy to prepare.
No matter what “decisions” we make from day to day, we are choosing not based on what we want, but on what we think is easy or what someone is telling us to choose. We are convinced on a daily basis to eat, drink and buy. We do not choose, we are told or coerced.
I’m not attacking food companies, restaurants or even the people that fall into this trap every day. I too enjoy convenience. I do things that make my life easier every day. I also enjoy business and being successful. I do things every day that help my business grow and progress. That isn’t the problem.
A large part of America’s glory is our economic prowess and the ability of people to start and grow successful businesses into national and even global powerhouses in all industries, some even creating their own industries and inspiring a whole new generation of businesses to follow.
Clearly I’m not suggesting that business or food is the problem. The problem is us. We are choosing not to choose. We are dependent on what is put in front of us. We are relying on the companies that make more money when we eat more.
This summer, do me a favor and think about that for a minute. Ask yourself some key questions and think about how you answer them. When you look at the contents of your grocery cart, ask yourself why those items are there. When you find yourself eating lunch, ask yourself why you are eating what you are eating. Did you choose these things because you like the, or did you choose them because they were easy? The most important question you can ask is: Are you making independent choices or simply letting others tell you what to eat?
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Activity or Exercise: Adding Movement to Your Day
Regular exercise can lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. We hear daily that exercise is important and that we should do it. If we already do it, we are told we should do more of it. What is the deal? Every resource in the country has offered their take on how important exercise is, but why is it so important? How does exercise help our bodies?
Physical Activity and Exercise help us improve all components of physical fitness:
• Enhance cardio-respiratory endurance
• Muscular strength and endurance
• Increase and maintain flexibility
Now that you see the components of fitness that activity and exercise help improve, you know how good it is for you to be more active. Who doesn’t want to have more endurance, strength and flexibility? We all want these things and we get them by moving our bodies. While movement is good, not all movement is created equally. There is a difference between exercise and activity. Let’s talk about the difference between the two:
Exercise
A deliberate movement usually at higher intensity and specifically done for the purpose to improving physical health or competing in a game or sport.
Activity
Any movement that can elevate heart rate and keep your body moving. This includes tasks that are done for work, play or simple household duties as long as they require movement.
Both exercise and activity are important to a healthy lifestyle. Many people think that they don’t have time for exercise or don’t have the ability to take part in many of the common forms of it. We are here to tell you that activity is just as important as exercise. You can get and stay healthy simply by making an effort to add activity to your day. Here are some ideas to get more activity each day:
1. Park farther away: Walking from the farthest corner of the parking lot will burn a few calories. If it’s a parking garage, head for the roof and use the stairs.
2. Play more: Kids play all the time. Adults shouldn’t miss a chance to jump into the fray if kids are playing on a playground or in the yard. Playing along is not only a good way to get activity and set a good example, but it’s FUN too!
3. Clean the house: Vacuuming, dusting, straightening up around the house, even in just a few rooms can make a big impact on your daily activity. (15 min. burns up to 80 calories)
4. Use the buddy system: Adding a social element to exercise helps many people stick with it. The accountability of a partner helps you get there and their company can help you enjoy it more.
5. Take the stairs: it’s good for your legs and heart and gets you where you needed to go minus the wait for an elevator.
Everyone is busy and it takes a lot of time to get “exercise”. This list shows us that we can be more active without carving out time for exercise. It just takes a little imagination and a focus on your health that will help you add it where it can be added. You don’t have to be active all day either. Even trying these options here and there throughout the day can make a big difference in your day to day calorie output. Start small and give yourself credit for making slight changes. Even a little movement is going to make an impact. Have a healthy and active summer!
Physical Activity and Exercise help us improve all components of physical fitness:
• Enhance cardio-respiratory endurance
• Muscular strength and endurance
• Increase and maintain flexibility
Now that you see the components of fitness that activity and exercise help improve, you know how good it is for you to be more active. Who doesn’t want to have more endurance, strength and flexibility? We all want these things and we get them by moving our bodies. While movement is good, not all movement is created equally. There is a difference between exercise and activity. Let’s talk about the difference between the two:
Exercise
A deliberate movement usually at higher intensity and specifically done for the purpose to improving physical health or competing in a game or sport.
Activity
Any movement that can elevate heart rate and keep your body moving. This includes tasks that are done for work, play or simple household duties as long as they require movement.
Both exercise and activity are important to a healthy lifestyle. Many people think that they don’t have time for exercise or don’t have the ability to take part in many of the common forms of it. We are here to tell you that activity is just as important as exercise. You can get and stay healthy simply by making an effort to add activity to your day. Here are some ideas to get more activity each day:
1. Park farther away: Walking from the farthest corner of the parking lot will burn a few calories. If it’s a parking garage, head for the roof and use the stairs.
2. Play more: Kids play all the time. Adults shouldn’t miss a chance to jump into the fray if kids are playing on a playground or in the yard. Playing along is not only a good way to get activity and set a good example, but it’s FUN too!
3. Clean the house: Vacuuming, dusting, straightening up around the house, even in just a few rooms can make a big impact on your daily activity. (15 min. burns up to 80 calories)
4. Use the buddy system: Adding a social element to exercise helps many people stick with it. The accountability of a partner helps you get there and their company can help you enjoy it more.
5. Take the stairs: it’s good for your legs and heart and gets you where you needed to go minus the wait for an elevator.
Everyone is busy and it takes a lot of time to get “exercise”. This list shows us that we can be more active without carving out time for exercise. It just takes a little imagination and a focus on your health that will help you add it where it can be added. You don’t have to be active all day either. Even trying these options here and there throughout the day can make a big difference in your day to day calorie output. Start small and give yourself credit for making slight changes. Even a little movement is going to make an impact. Have a healthy and active summer!
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