FitSugar

5 Overlooked Pieces of Gym Equipment

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 03:05:45 PST

We may be well into January, but my gym is still crowded. Ultimately this is good thing meaning more people taking fitness seriously but there is a downside to all this health: waiting in line for the always-popular treadmill or elliptical machine. Here's a positive spin on the overcrowded cardio room; use it as an opportunity to try something new.

So many great pieces of cardio equipment get overlooked even though they provide the same (if not better) results as the old standbys. Here are five machines that give great workouts but won't keep you waiting in line to use.

Kranking Burns Major Calories

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:55 PDT

If you're unfamiliar with Kranking, you're not alone. A Krankcycle resembles a bike, but instead of peddling with your legs, you peddle with your arms. This piece of equipment is perfect for those with knee, ankle, or foot injuries, but when you watch someone krank, it doesn't seem like it's the most effective cardio workout.

A recent study from ACE (American Council on Exercise) studied 20 people who participated in a 30-minute Kranckcycle class, all wearing heart rate monitors. Researchers found that on average, each participant burned 9 calories per minute, for a total of 269 calories. When running 30 minutes at a pace of 10 minutes per mile, a person will burn about 295 calories, making the two workouts surprisingly comparable.

If you're tired of using your legs on the treadmill, elliptical, or stationary bike, then get your arms cranking on a Krankcycle, and you'll get in a great workout. Tell me, have you ever tried Kranking?

Your Favorite Type of Cardio Machines Are All Taken, What Do You Do?

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:30:00 PDT

I know you have been through this. You finally convince yourself to go to the gym and when you arrive the gym is crowded. All your favorite cardio machines are full. Frustrated since you planned on hopping on the treadmill, or the elliptical or the stairstepper, now you can't. The options are endless. You could work out on a type of machine you rarely use, or you could split. What do you do?

LifeFitness 95 Series: iPod Integration

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:30:00 PDT

When I learned that there was a new treadmill from LifeFitness that integrated your iPod I thought to myself, "It's about damn time!" Move over geeksugar, your girl Fit is getting excited about technology.

The brand new 95e treadmill has an integrated iPod connector that allows exercisers to view iPod music/video lists and make selections directly on the touch 15" LCD screen. You can also watch iPod-delivered video content on the screen (requires video-capable iPod) or you can watch TV right there on the screen. Did I mention it is FM-radio ready?

Still not impressed? Well, not only does this mean that you no longer have to fumble around with your iPod while jogging, but you can also power and charge your iPod. This is thrilling -- I can not tell you how many times I have jumped on the treadmill only to find out that my iPod is completely and utterly dead. Such a motivation killer. Right now it seems that this little gem is only available for commercial purchase so I may be slipping a brochure under the manager's door at my gym today (I know she loves it when I do stuff like that). Find more details on LifeFitness.com.

View 3 Photos ›

30 Min Time Limit: Does That Apply to Me?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:30:00 PST

The question has been posed if it is OK to ignore the 30-min time limit rule that most gyms impose on their cardio equipment -- Especially, when some of us are training or doing intense cardio workouts and your workout is longer than the allotted 30 minutes.

My thoughts: It is NOT OK to ignore this rule. The rule is there so that every paying customer (yup, you're not the only one shelling out dues) gets a turn. If your cardio program calls for longer than 30 minutes and people are milling around looking for a free machine, get off and find another way to finish your workout. Maybe grab a jump rope or try hopping on the rowing machine.

Now if there is no one waiting and tons of free machines, then I do think it is OK to continue on past the 30 minute rule. Just be aware of those around you and use the good ole' golden rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.

Torch Calories and Tone With This Circuit Workout

Susi May — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:40:46 PDT

What's not to love about circuit training? Combining heart-pumping elements of cardio with strength-training moves means you torch calories while toning muscles. It's just so efficient.

Here's a fun yet challenging circuit workout I did recently with my Equinox trainer Lauren. The workout has you performing each exercise for a minute, which means you need to keep a stopwatch handy, but you have the luxury of not needing to count.

Get the details of this circuit after the break.

Learn to Love the VersaClimber With This Short Workout

Susi May — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:15:34 PDT

No doubt you've seen the VersaClimber at your gym - that tall piece of equipment, lurking in the corner behind the more popular cardio machines. But the VersaClimber's unpopularity is also its saving grace: there is never anyone using it, so you hop on it without a wait. Since the machine is often empty, you can also use it to add short bursts of cardio to your circuit training sets, just like my Equinox trainer Lauren had me do recently. It was my first time on the VersaClimber, and I have to say I liked using the machine but it's a killer. I felt like I was climbing up an almost vertical wall.

The VersaClimber works both your arms and legs while making your heart rate soar. Decreasing the tension on the machine's gearing forces you to use your upper body more; when you increase the tension, the work is more in your legs (I felt it more in the hamstrings than my quads) but your arms will still be feeling it.

Keep on reading to get the short interval workout from Lauren.

From Total Body to High Intensity: Elliptical Workouts For All

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 19:09:17 PST

The elliptical is a mainstay in the gym for good reason: it's easy on the joints and provides a great cardio and total-body workout. But the elliptical can also get pretty boring and repetitive. Instead of spending a mindless 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, maximize your time by doing one of these eight workouts. Whether you're a beginner, looking for a high-intensity interval workout, or want to challenge different muscles groups, there's an elliptical workout for you. There's even one for those of you who love the treadmill!

Booty Workout: Target glutes and hamstrings by playing with the incline on the elliptical. This elliptical booty workout will help you tone your backside while also getting a good cardio workout. Target your glutes by focusing on keeping your heels down while on the machine.
Core Workout: To work your core while on the elliptical, just let go. Not using the handles in this elliptical core workout helps engage all the muscles of your core as you work harder to stay balanced on the machine. The faster you can go, the more you'll work your core in this.
Just Like the Treadmill: For times when you can't find an empty treadmill at the gym, try this elliptical treadmill workout. The workout comes close to mimicking what running on a treadmill feels like and may even help even out your stride. To really feel like you're on a treadmill, don't hold onto the handles; keep your arms in a running position.

See more elliptical workouts after the break!

10 Boredom Busters For Indoor Workouts

Laura Marie Given — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:52:00 PDT

If you tend to feel bored at the gym and spend more time watching the clock, these easy tricks are sure to boost your motivation. Whether you're just beginning a bikini-ready plan for the Summer or consider yourself a seasoned gym rat, here are 11 simple ways to fire up your indoor workouts:

Vary your machines: If the treadmill is your best (and only) friend, it's time to switch things up. Try the seated row, the stationary bike, the elliptical, or a mix of all four to keep your body guessing.
Head for the hills: Ward off repetition by changing the incline regularly. The best part? You'll tone your muscles and burn extra calories.
Direct your thoughts: If you can't stop thinking about how bored you are, try coming up with a new focus for every minute or mile. Plan your future wedding, imagine a dream home, or brainstorm your favorite songs and movies to distract yourself.
Alternate weights and cardio: Rather than following a full strength workout with a long bout of cardio, mix up the two. Not only will you stave off boredom, but you'll also give your metabolism an extra boost from the intervals.
Change your listening habits: If you're sick of your workout playlists, why not try an audiobook? What about a podcast? If you prefer something with a fast tempo while you run, reserve audiobooks and podcasts for incline walks or cool downs.

Keep reading for more boredom busters.

11 Bootcamp Workouts to Have You Looking Your Best For Bikini Season

Michele Foley — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:33:20 PDT

With bikini season just a few months away, get a jump on your fitness regimen now, instead of scrambling one week before your beach vacation to realize it's too late. Do a few of these circuit bootcamp workouts every week, alongside a solid cardio routine and healthy diet, and you'll be beach-ready as soon as the sun comes bearing down this Summer.

This boot camp video workout from Jeanette Jenkins may only be 10 minutes long, but not a second gets wasted. Jeanette takes viewers through five intense exercises with extra emphasis on the backside. A good-looking booty goes a long way when it comes to bikini season!
We can't think of a better pair to inspire you to get fit for bikini season than beach babes Karena and Katrina from Tone It Up. Their booty-camp video workout focuses on basic moves like squats and lunges, but bumps it up with the addition of weights. Get ready to work your entire body!
LA-based trainer Jason Walsh has worked with major stars like Jessica Biel to keep them svelte and strong. Jason created this three-part circuit workout, which works multiple muscle groups and focuses on high-intensity intervals to really burn calories.
All you need are a pair of dumbbells and a resistance band for this at-home full-body circuit-training workout. Walk away with stronger legs and arms and a solid core - bikini season can't come soon enough!
Given how good Heidi Klum looks in a bikini, you don't have to twist our arm to do this workout from her trainer. The David Kirsch boot camp circuit workout will tone your entire body while also keeping things fun with challenging plyometric moves.

Read on for five more boot camp workouts to get you bikini-ready.