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The High Cost of Gyms vs. The Low Cost of Home Gyms

Soloflex4 (3)renny with soloflexMemberships can cost as much as $150 a month for month to month or as much as $1200 per year for a year contract.  Month to month will usually allow you to cancel anytime but is much more expensive than the year contract.  The problem with the year contract if broken will come with penalties.  This can get pretty high.

The fine print on your membership payment form will cost you.  Many gyms charge an initiation fee (or a wear and tear fee) averaging about $100 in addition to payments.

The other high cost of gym memberships are the hidden ones.  Most gyms charge extra for the classes, rock walls, and the child sitting while you workout.  These are not always mentioned at the time you sign up.

Another draw back to the gym world is the constant waiting for the equipment or the classes being too full.  Many classes and gym equipment require sign up and even then you are not guarantied to get what you want.  This can be very frustrating as time is valuable.  Speaking of time, you have to drive to the gym, park, get to the equipment you want and hopefully it is available.  You then have to get into the locker room and fight for the sink or mirror before you hit the road again to drive back home.  An hour workout has now turned into a two hour minimum.

Workout at home.  There are so many good reasons.  Buy your equipment once and it is yours with no hidden fees or waiting.

Stay at home and save money and time.  The kids are right there in the house playing and as they get older are working out with you.  No need to drive and waist time and gas and money.

Soloflex has always offered the best in home weight lifting equipment.  The safest on the market for the past 32 years.  Your one time investment will last you years and years saving you lots of money.

Just call and one of the operators will help you with any questions you have and soon you too will agree.  Working out at home is safe, easy, quicker, less expensive and just as fun with Soloflex.  Call 1-800-547-8802 or check us out on line at www.soloflex.com.

  • Published by connie on July 28th, 2010 in Equipment.
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The Soloflex Story

book coverThis is a story of the man behind Soloflex.  He is a visionary on many levels.  This book exposes his creative and crazy sides.  Jerry Wilson is not the average guy.  I suppose most creators and inventors are on the edge but this takes the cake.  This book is not for everyone, just those who appreciate the wild side.  Wish he would continue to write his stories as they are almost too much to believe.  Working for Soloflex has been an amazing opportunity and as much fun as anyone could every have.  I am lucky to know the family and to be a part of such a great product.  This book, as I mentioned earlier, is more about Jerry than the company but at some point they have become one and the same.  Thank you Jerry.  The Soloflex team.

  • Published by connie on July 27th, 2010 in Fun Stuff, Soloflex, Inc..
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A Great Dog and Her Vibration Experiences

Rosey1Whole Body Vibration and One Dog

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Posted on 19th July 2010 by microhappen in Schwinn Atlanta

The idea of shaking to build better blood and bones made sense with all the science and important authorities touting Vibra Phirm. The contraption arrived with a large yellow truck after being delayed from China. The neighbor who is a Delta mechanic helped, well he actually assembled what I later called a monstrosity with minimal help from anyone else. The directions were odd. A spring washer was called a spring mattress, and there was no part that looked like a mattress to anyone! The mechanic looked at the parts, and it was together in 15 minutes.

Guess, The Dog, was in the garage during this assemblage. When it was plugged in and oscillating/vibrating and resonating, she trembled and headed to the door whining. Not a usual experience for anyone in this household. So for three weeks during rain, cold, or snow, she went outside for the 10 minutes the machine vibrated or the back seat of the truck when it was too miserable for her. Could it be that she thinks there is a tsunami coming? Animals can sense earthquakes, perhaps?

The machine was returned and one person had lost seven pounds while another had gained two, so the physical results were satisfactory for the Chinese made Vibra pHirm. Then, because the Solo Flex Whole Body Vibration was much more versatile, it was ordered as the Vibra pHirm was returned. The price is more affordable, more convenient for travel, and it has the same specs for power/vibration/wattage/hertz. It doesn’t hurt that most of the parts were made in the United States. There is no assembly required, so the Delta mechanic stayed home and was not needed.

The comparison of the vibrations for The Dog were distinct. Her reaction to the Vibra pHirm were more upset than the reaction to the Solo Flex. She is eleven, and has not given me acquiescence that this is a positive change in her life, or her future personal involvement in the use of this exercise machine. Solo Flex has a cute little white dog on the cover of their manual sitting on the platform/bench/step. The Cute Big Dog who lives here will not be sitting on the Solo Flex Whole Body Vibration anytime soon. But there is not the sound of torment from The Dog’s voice compared to the Vibra pHirm. It could be that this exercise equipment is less noisy or more cushioned. As time progresses, perhaps The Dog will begin to be comfortable with the vibration. As indeed was the case. If not, she will be followed without question if there is ever a tsunami or earthquake in Atlanta.

After six months, The Dog likes being petted while I am doing yoga positions on the Solo Flex. My fingers are massaging her, which helps her arthritis and maybe her tumors.

The vibration of http://www.Petpause2000.com harp music did not change the reaction of The Dog to either exercise vibration machine. Imagine a horrible thunderstorm. The Dog will calm down with harp music during thunderstorms, but not with vibrations of a whole body vibration machine. The time limit for the machines is 10 minutes. Over time, perhaps she will become The Cute Black Dog sitting on the bench.

(c) 2008 Charlotte Fairchild

Author Bio: Born in Bethesda Naval Hospital, Charlotte Fairchild traveled as a Navy child, She is a writer and speaker of kudzu, fertility, roses, and teaches auto harp. Fertile Prayers is her first published book. Kudzu Kwestions will help find her several blogs and contact information.

Baby B

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  • Published by connie on July 21st, 2010 in Guest Posts, Whole Body Vibration.
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Working Out at Home Could Save Your Life

s_hazmat_fitnessGym germs: why common diseases flourish in your gym and what you can do to avoid them

by Bridget Coila | Nov-Dec, 2004

Putting in time at the gym is supposed to make you healthier, but if you aren’t careful, it could cause an unexpected illness. If fungi or bacteria wanted to find the ideal place to grow, your gym might offer one of the best sites around. Fungi and bacteria thrive in warm, moist places, such as hot tubs, pools, shower stalls and sweaty clothes. According to Brian Adams, M.D., “There are a bunch of things people can pick up at their gym if they aren’t careful.”

Inside the Locker Room

One of the most common diseases lurking in gyms is tinea pedis or athlete’s foot (i.e., a fungal skin infection). Its symptoms include cracked, blistered skin along with an itching or burning sensation. Onychomycosis is another infectious fungal disease hiding on shower and locker room floors. Its symptoms include yellow, brittle toe- and fingernails. Both of these diseases can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but for persistent infections you may need to consult a dermatologist.

The human papillomavirus (i.e., the virus that causes plantar warts) is another disease-causing organism commonly found in health clubs. These warts appear alone or in clusters on the bottom of the feet. Even in a seemingly immaculate gym, these organisms can dwell in unexpected places. “The most common place people pick up warts and athlete’s foot is in the locker room. It doesn’t matter if it has a carpeted or tile floor. The second place is in shower stalls. Another place most people don’t suspect is alongside indoor pools, but a lot of foot fungus is found there,” Adams says.

Being careful while changing or showering can easily prevent most of these diseases. “When I go to the gym, not for one minute does my foot hit the ground barefoot,” says Adams. “Always keep a barrier between you and the floor. Even a brisk walk between the locker and shower stall can allow foot fungus to take hold.”

The following are other ways to avoid fungi and viruses from invading your feet.

* Wear flip-flops in the shower.

* Wash and dry your feet thoroughly.

* Use antifungal powder in your shoes.

* Wear synthetic socks.

* Change your socks often, since sweaty socks are a prime breeding ground for fungi.

* Change out of your gym shoes after exercising and wash them occasionally in the hot water cycle.

Since fungal infections can spread, don’t dry sensitive areas, such as your underarms, with a towel used on your feet or dropped on the locker room floor. “Be especially careful if you have breaks in the skin,” Adams suggests. “Cuts are the perfect opportunity for microorganisms to make their way into the skin. Even microscopic cracks you can’t see can be an entry point.” If you cut yourself or otherwise cause a break in the skin while at the gym, clean the open wound with an iodine antibacterial solution and cover it securely before continuing your workout.

Outside the Locker Room

You also need to be vigilant about avoiding disease outside the locker room. The treadmill or weights you are about to use could have been infected by someone with a cold or worse.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was recently found in recreational athletes. Although, MRSA is a version of the common staph bacteria, it is resistant to the methicillin antibiotic, which makes it especially hard to treat. While “normal” staphylococcus aureus is a microbial skin infection easily treated with antibiotics, MRSA is more difficult to treat and can infect the blood and bones–a potentially life threatening complication. MRSA’s antibiotic resistance also makes it more likely to spread, since the normal course of treatment does not eliminate it and the infected person remains a carrier. The CDC cites close physical contact and equipment sharing as reasons for outbreaks. Researchers have also found E. coli, strep-bacteria and the influenza virus in gyms and on athletic equipment.

The easiest way to protect yourself is by wiping equipment before use. Gyms usually provide disinfectant spray, but some people prefer to carry their own wipes. Always use a towel to cover the seat of your exercise bike and bench in the locker room. When you’re done with your workout, don’t forget to clean your water bottle in order to prevent bacterial buildup there, too.

To prevent spreading disease to others, avoid exercising at the gym when you’re sick. Although conventional wisdom says you can work out if your symptoms are above the neck, keep in mind you may expose others. Consider exercising at home when you feel under the weather and avoid having your own germs passed back when your workout partner comes to the gym sick with the cold you gave him or her.

With a little bit of care, even the worst of these diseases can be treated or avoided, allowing you to enjoy your workout without worrying about bringing anything but a healthier body home.

Bridget Coila is a biologist and freelance writer based in Seattle, Washington. She has written for a variety of publications on health and science topics.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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  • Published by connie on July 21st, 2010 in Guest Posts, Health & Wellness.
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Growing Evidence Links Exercise and Mental Acuity

Posted by: Dr. Mercola | June 12 2010 | 20,858 views

exerciseCan exercise help keep your mind sharp? Researchers increasingly say the answer is yes.

John J. Ratey, a psychiatrist who wrote the book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, says that there is overwhelming evidence that exercise produces large cognitive gains and helps fight dementia.

The Washington Post advises:

“…while the volume of that research grows, the safest course of action for both body and mind appears to be to keep our weight down, follow a regular course of moderate to intense exercise, and stick with it.”

Sources:

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50 percent to 70 percent of all dementia cases, and is on the rise. In many ways, the rise of Alzheimer’s in the aging population is very similar to the rise of autism in children.

The latest 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report estimates that by 2030 nearly 8 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s.

While increasing age is the greatest risk factor for this disease, there are also other risk factors that you have greater control over, such as diabetes. Diabetics have up to a 65 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

However, it is important to understand that dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) is not a “normal” part of aging. And you do not have to accept reduced mental acuity as being inevitable.

You CAN significantly reduce your risk by making positive lifestyle changes. In fact, many of the same lifestyle changes that will lower your risk of diabetes will also improve your chances of never developing Alzheimer’s.

Most of the healthy, bright and mentally astute 80 and 90-year olds out there have probably been leading a healthy lifestyle for most of their lives, and are reaping the benefits as a result.

It’s not about good fortune. It’s about personal choices.

Leading a healthy life is one of the best ways to keep your mind intact, no matter what your age. And not surprisingly, what’s good for your brain is also good for your heart, and vice versa.

How Does Exercise Protect Your Brain?

Although the mind-body research into the benefits of exercise against dementia may still be in its infancy, there is compelling evidence that regular exercise promotes essential cell and tissue repair mechanisms, including growth of new brain cells.

Physical exercise may also protect against mild cognitive impairment by:

  • Promoting production of nerve-protecting compounds
  • Increasing blood flow to your brain
  • Improving development and survival of neurons
  • Decreasing your risk of heart and blood vessel diseases that can impact brain function

In essence, exercise encourages your brain to work at optimum capacity by causing your nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage.

Previous research has also shown that a regular exercise program can slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease by altering the way damaging proteins reside in your brain.

According to John J. Ratey, author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, you can easily “push back cognitive decline by anywhere from 10 to 15 years” by incorporating an exercise regimen three to four times a week – even if you begin during middle age, and exercise at a moderate rate.

The Washington Post writes:

“In his book, Ratey notes research that MRI scans of the brains of sedentary people who suddenly improve their fitness show increased volume in the hippocampus and frontal and temporal lobes, regions of the brain associated with cognitive functioning. The hippocampus in particular is associated with memory and learning.

“The major implication is that exercise not only keeps the brain from rotting, but it also reverses the cell deterioration associated with aging,” Ratey wrote.”

So forget about getting forgetful with age. It doesn’t have to happen to you.

In addition to exercise — which I encourage everyone to engage in, no matter what your age is, or what future health concerns or worries you may have — there are also other simple lifestyle strategies that can have a profound impact on your quality of life.

But before I go into those, here’s a quick review of the four principles you’ll want to keep in mind when devising your exercise routine.

Four Principles of Exercise

Your body is an efficient machine, and if you do the same type of exercise day after day, you’ll become quite good at it. However, when exercise becomes easy to complete, it’s a sign you need to work a little harder and give your body a new challenge.

So when you’re planning your exercise routine, make sure to incorporate the following types of exercise:

  1. Aerobic: Jogging, using an elliptical machine, and walking fast are all examples of aerobic exercise. As you get your heart pumping, the amount of oxygen in your blood improves, and endorphins, which act as natural painkillers, increase.Meanwhile, aerobic exercise activates your immune system, helps your heart pump blood more efficiently, and increases your stamina over time.
  2. Interval (Anaerobic) Training: This is also known as sprint cardio. Research shows that the BEST way to condition your heart and burn fat is NOT to jog or walk steadily for an hour. Instead, it’s to alternate short bursts of high-intensity exercise with gentle recovery periods.I have been doing these exercises for the past several months and actually stopped doing all regular cardio training two months ago. Amazingly, my body fat went down 5 percent and I look and feel much better, with 1/3 of the time investment.This type of exercise, also known as interval training, or burst type training, can dramatically improve your cardiovascular fitness and fat-burning capabilities.Another major benefit of this approach is that it radically decreases the amount of time you spend exercising, while giving you even more benefits. For example, intermittent sprinting produces high levels of chemical compounds called catecholamines, which allow more fat to be burned from under your skin within the exercising muscles.The resulting increase in fat oxidation increases weight loss. So, short bursts of activity done at a very high intensity can help you reach your optimal weight and level of fitness, in a shorter amount of time
  3. Strength Training: Rounding out your exercise program with a 1-set strength training routine will ensure that you’re really optimizing the possible health benefits of a regular exercise program.You need enough repetitions to exhaust your muscles. The weight should be heavy enough that this can be done in fewer than 12 repetitions, yet light enough to do a minimum of four repetitions. It is also important NOT to exercise the same muscle groups every day. They need at least two days of rest to recover, repair and rebuild.
  4. Core Exercises: Your body has 29 core muscles located mostly in your back, abdomen and pelvis. This group of muscles provides the foundation for movement throughout your entire body, and strengthening them can help protect and support your back, make your spine and body less prone to injury and help you gain greater balance and stability.Exercise programs like pilates and yoga are great for strengthening your core muscles, as are specific exercises you can learn from a personal trainer.Focusing on your breath and mindfulness along with increasing your flexibility is an important element of total fitness.
  5. Stretching: My favorite types of stretches are active isolated stretching developed by Aaron Mattes.

A Heart- and Brain-Healthy Lifestyle

Start taking action to preserve your brain function now by implementing the strategies detailed in the guide below.

These strategies can also radically reduce your risk of all sorts of chronic diseases, so know that if you make the effort to enact these changes you will reap multiple health- and emotional benefits — even as you get older.

  1. Optimize your vitamin D levels through safe sun exposure, a safe tanning bed and/or vitamin D supplements.
  2. Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of raw fresh vegetables based on your nutritional type, and pay special attention to avoiding sugar.
  3. Eat plenty of high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats. Fifty percent of your brain is an omega-3 fat called DHA. My favorite source of this essential fat is krill oil, and because it is so highly absorbed you need far less of it than fish oil. Additionally, it is loaded with beneficial antioxidants and is clearly the most sustainable source of animal-based omega-3 on the planet. Avoid most fish, because although it is high in omega-3, it is often contaminated with toxic mercury.
  4. Avoid toxins, especially mercury, aluminum and fluoride. Dental amalgam fillings are one of the major sources of mercury, however you should be healthy prior to having them removed. Once you have adjusted to following the diet described in my nutrition plan, you can follow the mercury detox protocol and then find a qualified biological dentist to have your amalgams removed.(Be sure to only use a high-quality biologically trained dentist who is familiar with the removal of amalgam fillings or your health could get ruined.)Aluminum is found in items such as antiperspirants and aluminum cookware, which should also be avoided.Avoid flu vaccinations as well, as they contain both mercury and aluminum!Fluoride, meanwhile, is another powerful neurotoxin. The most common sources would be in your water and toothpaste. But it is also a part of some antibiotics (like Cipro), soy protein, and pesticides, so seek to have as much of your food organically grown as possible, and filter your tap water with a reverse osmosis filter to eliminate the fluoride.
  5. Keep your fasting insulin levels below three. There is no question that insulin resistance is one of the most pervasive influences on brain damage, as it contributes massively to inflammation, which will prematurely degenerate your brain.
  6. Exercise regularly, for all the benefits previously mentioned above.
  7. Eliminate all processed foods and sugars, particularly fructose. This includes refraining from eating too many fruits, if you normally eat a lot of them. If you consume more than 25 grams a day of fructose you can damage your cells by creating insulin and leptin resistance and raising your uric acid levels.Berries tend to be lower in fructose, and wild blueberries, for example, are high in anthocyanin and antioxidants, and are well-known for being beneficial against Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseses.
  8. Challenge your mind daily. Mental stimulation, such as traveling, learning to play an instrument or doing crossword puzzles, is associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s. Researchers suspect that mental challenge helps to build up your brain, making it less susceptible to the lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Published by connie on July 12th, 2010 in Health & Wellness.
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