Safety Tips to Use the Weight-Lifting Belt

The weight-lifting belt can be extremely helpful workout accessory, but not when used incorrectly. It helps with posture and prevents injury during a workout when applied properly, but it can also cause injury when misused. 

For example, some people put on a weight-lifting belt even when they are not lifting weights—and this can compromise their posture. The weight-lifting belt should only be used when carrying a particularly heavy load. It is not to be used all the time during weight-lifting, but only as an assist when carrying a load that is especially substantial. Many people put it on during light weight-lifting or even during sit ups—which is counter-productive and can actually do more harm than good. 

Here are some other safety tips when using a weight-lifting belt:

• Do not push your stomach out when lifting. Doing so may cause spinal flexion which can damage the spine in the long run.

• Make sure the belt is around your abdomen and not around your hips.

• Remember: Not too tight, and not too loose. If it is too tight, it could cut off your blood circulation, which when added with a strenuous exercise routine can cause serious medical problems. A belt that is too tight can also prevent proper flexing and contraction of the abdomen. On the other hand, if it is too loose, then it becomes counter-productive. A good way to put it on would be to take a deep breath, as one would right before a heavy lift, and secure the belt as you are holding your breath.

• Take note of the material. Use belts that are made with leather (and with a width of three to four inches) rather than nylon. It may take some time to get used to but it lasts longer and is more proper for weight-lifting than nylon.

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Why Assault Air Bike is Useful for Exercising in the Gym

What do you get when you put together a team of fitness engineers, gym owners, physical therapists and gym trainers? You get the Assault Air Bike, which is the NFL of fan bikes. Coincidentally, it is used by the NFL, NBA and the NHL to train their athletes.

Despite its athletic and celebrity clientele, the Assault Air Bike is available for anyone who wants a decent workout. This machine that can provide nearly unlimited workouts with individualized adjustments and multiple options. While most equipment can only provide one to three options (easy, medium, and hard), the Assault Air Bike is programmed with eight workout options and infinite adjustments to make your gym session as customized as possible. Whether you want a short but high-intensity workout or a long and slow endurance burn, you can get it from the Assault Air Bike.

Aside from its crisp LCD and high tech on-board features, the Assault Air Bike is also built to handle virtually anything. The frame is made of high-tensile steel and is sealed with a coat of industrial powder paint. The unlimited resistance and power of the machine comes from its 27-inch steel fan that hikes up the resistance automatically as you further push, pull or pedal your way through. While it banks on its durability and fuss-free parts that are engineered to be long-lasting, it does not skimp on comfort. The seats are adjustable, sweat-proof, and anatomically designed so you can focus more on your workout—not on the uncomfortable seat.

There are many imitations of the Assault Air Bike in the market. These duplicates may look exactly like the original but do not have the same features and are not made of the same durable materials, so be careful. Make sure you buy from an authorized dealer to get the original product.

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Where to Find the Best Gym Equipment Suppliers in South Africa

Have you decided to build your own gym? Hiring the best gym equipment supplier in South Africa can make the entire process easier, as they can help design the layout of your gym space and supply your gym equipment, too. They can even provide 3D floorplans for free. Top gym equipment suppliers in South Africa have in-house designers that can assist you in spacing your equipment for maximum but reasonable capacity. They can even help you decide on the best color schemes for your gym.

A good equipment supplier can likewise offer everything you could possibly need for a successful gym, including strength, weight-lifting, heavy-duty cardio, and commercial gym equipment. They also have a complete array of gym accessories. And because they have been operating for years, they have established relationships with the top brands in gym equipment and can give you the lowest prices possible. They can even offer expert advice on what you may need and where you can but back on.

If you need shipping or prefer a specific courier to make the delivery, they can offer many options and can deliver anywhere within South Africa. For a small additional fee, they can also deliver to remote places such as game reserves. There is no need to pick up the equipment yourself, although if you prefer to do so, you can.

If you are wary of the delivery fee and how much it could cost, the best gym equipment supplier in the country has an online shipping calculator on their website and you can find out the price of the delivery within seconds. Just input your street name and zip code, then you are good to go. Warranty is also included for most equipment. But even when the warranty period is over, they can still provide repair and other services for a reasonable price.

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Benefits of Using a Cardio Rowing Machine

Different types of exercises appeal to different people. If you don’t like the strain of high-impact exercises such as running or weight-lifting, don’t worry—there is an exercise that is low-impact but highly effective, and that is rowing. Just how effective is it? Well, rowing burns twice the amount of calories lost in spinning. That’s righty—you can burn up to 800 calories in an hour of rowing. And no, you don’t have to do it in the water because you can row at home with the use of a rowing machine. The latest rowing machines mimic the resistance of real-life water, plus it they are adjustable to suit the level of of the user, from beginner to moderate.

Rowing exercises almost all major muscle groups. It also works out the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory and immune system.  This is because the resistance from a cardio rowing machine comes from both directions, just like rowing in water does. Best of all, almost anyone can safely use a rowing machine since it is easy on the joints such as the knees, ankles, elbows, and hips. Rowing also increases endurance and lowers the risk of injury by increasing strength in all the major muscles. While it seems like mostly an upper body workout, rowing actually targets the lower body (the legs and the core) just as much as it targets the arms and shoulders.

If you are exercising to burn fat, then there is no better work out than rowing. It burns more calories than most workouts, and with a rowing machine, you do not even have to leave your house. As long as you have the proper form and make use of the machine safely and correctly, then you can burn serious calories in the comfort and privacy of your home. 

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Cardio Equipment and Their Major Applications

Cardio workouts are not only designed to improve muscular and aerobic endurance. Many of these exercise routines are also useful for those trying to bulk up, shed calories, cut fat, and make abs more pronounced. Below are tried and true cardio machines that help burn calories and boost overall performance in the gym:

• Arc Trainers – The arc trainer is a resisted, non-impact cardio device that delivers multiple incline levels (21 in a standard machine) and features wireless heart rate monitoring. More advanced models even have built-in power work-outs, cardio exercises, and weight loss routines. Whether you like gliding at low-incline levels, striding mid-rage, or power climbing, arc trainers help burn major calories and improve athleticism.

• Indoor Rowers – An indoor rower is a good machine for elevating heart rate, burning fat, and building muscle. Indoor rowers are also preferred by home gym enthusiasts because of their compact configuration. This machine is designed to help strengthen glutes, work hamstrings, and other important muscle groups like your quadriceps and calves, all while shedding unwanted pounds.

• Jacob’s Ladder – Another quintessential cardio machine, Jacob’s ladder places users at a 40-degree angle. This reduces lower back stress while climbing. The optimal position also enables full range of motion as you increase rung speed. Variable speeds give you full control of the intensity of the workout. Jacob’s ladder is a good machine for burning calories and increasing heartrate. 

• Stationary bike/spinner – Stationary bikes and spinners have magnetic/hydraulic resistant systems to simulate real biking experience most models come with backlit computer screens that show useful metrics like rpms and watts, which help track fitness. Some more advanced machines even allow variable handlebar positions and seat adjustment so you can tailor workout position to your liking and create different difficulties for maximum cardio and muscle toning effects. Spinners are among the greatest cardio equipment you will find in any gym center or home gym.

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Buying Rowing Machine for Sale Price in South Africa

Stationary rowing machines, otherwise known as ergometer or “erg” for short, are excellent pieces of home gym equipment you should consider investing on. They are among the most sought after and recommended home gym machines by both trainers and equipment distributors who know exactly what gym-goers need to help their workout routines.  Rowing machines are best for strengthening cardiovascular capacity and endurance, building muscle tone, and increasing stamina. If these are exactly what your exercise plan needs, read on to know the right type of rowing machine to buy:

Rowing machines are all about resistance, which is exactly why understanding the different resistance type these machines have is essential to finding the right equipment for your workout. Indoor rowing machines have four basic resistance types, namely, air, water, hydraulic piston, and magnetic and below are brief descriptions of each:

•Air resistance rowing machine–This type of rowing machine features fan blades that create resistance as the user increases rowing intensity. This means that the more intensity you give, the more resistance the machine creates.

• Water resistance rowing machine–For a more realistic rowing motion, choose water resistance machine, which produces sounds and sensations that replicate how rowing on actual water is like. The machine consists of oar blades that wade through the water, which then creates resistance. Similar to the first type, resistance in a water rowing machine increases as the rower’s intensity increases. 

• Hydraulic piston rowing machine–This type of rowing machine uses hydraulic pistons, which can easily be adjusted according to the user’s strength. It is the cheapest in price out of the four resistance types and is a good choice for those who want a quiet machine.

• Magnetic rowing machine–Magnetic rowing machines also allow adjustable resistance through its magnetic breaking system. This is preferred because of its low-maintenance nature and durability.

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Know the Tips to Prevent Shoulder Injuries while Bench Pressing

It’s kind of easy to get home gym equipment for bench pressing, but it can be tricky to do the actual exercise. You are probably reading this because you have experienced shoulder injuries or discomfort while bench pressing. Don’t worry, because by following these tips, you’ll get to spare your shoulders and even improve your bench press.

1. Protect your shoulders by enhancing your legs.

The bench press is an exercise not just for the upper part, but for the body as a whole. Your shoulders will have to endure less strain if you let your lower body do more work. When you set up, it’s best to spread your feet wide, and then drive them down into the floor. Push your feet as you start each rep. You’ll see that it’ll help you lift the bar off your chest.

2. ‘Hug’ the Bench.

Do this by pulling your shoulder blades together and then pulling them down. This should seem as if you are using your shoulders to ‘hug’ the bench. You should keep your shoulders in this form throughout the workout so that you’ll have a powerful platform to press from. 

3. Keep you grip at shoulder width.

The wider your grip is, the more vulnerable your shoulders’ position will be. Narrow your grip as you remove the bar, and do not lose that position. 

4. Pull before you push.

You will really get hurt if you allow the bar to drop to your chest and bounce off your sternum. To prevent that from happening, it’s best to flex your upper-back muscles and pull the bar to your chest. After that, drive your upper back into the bench to push yourself away from the bar. 

5. Get some rest.

This is perhaps the most important tip here. If you do not give your body enough rest, it won’t recover, grow, and become stronger. Give your body time to relax, because that’s when results are created. 

Ready to bench press? Go ahead and purchase your home gym equipment now.

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Know from Where to Buy Gymnastic Equipment for Home

Gymnastics equipment is not just for gymnasts. Other athletes and fitness enthusiasts can also use them, since these pieces of equipment are great for working out different muscle groups. If you are interested in buying gymnastic equipment for your home, one of the most important things to consider is the supplier. Purchasing from online suppliers is a great option because most of them usually offer discounts. However, you must make sure that the supplier is reputable.

Significant experience in the industry is an important consideration here. Suppliers that do not have enough experience yet may not be able to give you accurate advice in some instances. The supplier won’t know the issues that the equipment may have, and will not be able to resolve problems if they do arise. It’s also best to get your gymnastics equipment from a suppler that has multiple branches. Your supplier must have an effective support structure and must carry a wide range of spares. The best suppliers have their own maintenance staff and adequate man power to assist you when you encounter any problem with your purchase.

Also make sure that the supplier does not make you overpay for your gymnastics equipment. Try to check if the supplier offers a warranty for their items, and whether the supplier is a reseller or an importer. Between a reseller and an importer, it is always better to buy directly from an importer. Resellers may not be able to offer you a backup service. Once they’ve sold you the equipment, they can simply disappear. 

When looking for a gym equipment supplier in Africa, it is ideal to go for a renowned one that already has established ethics. The most reputable suppliers have dedicated sales consultants who can give you accurate advice. You can also expect them to have a large showroom and a national footprint.  

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Exercise and Physical Activity: Are They Different?

They may seem to be one and the same thing, but there is a clear distinction between exercise and physical activity.

By definition, physical activity involves movement carried out by our muscles that require energy, which means that any movement we do is actually is in fact a physical activity. Research tells us that all normal physical activity contributes to physical health and well being.

Exercise on the other hand, is a focused, planned, structured, repetitive and intentional movement with the goal of maintaining health or improving physical fitness. It is a subcategory or a kind of physical activity. With exercise, you focus on cardiopulmonary fitness for your heart and lungs, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition (body muscle mass and fat).

Gym equipment suppliers are aware of these, and that is why they design equipment to cater to each specific facet of physical fitness. That is the reason why there are machines that focus on strength training, like dumbbells, bench presses, free weights, and lifting machines, as well as machines like treadmills and stationary bikes to help with cardio and endurance.

Physical activity is important. Studies have shown that increased physical activity has positive benefits and even reduces the risk of developing certain cancers. Focused activity and exercise also improves overall fitness, endurance and well being. Exercise machines from gym equipment suppliers have been specifically designed to maximize your movements for the positive benefits. And since exercise is a focused activity, you get more health benefits in a safe and efficient manner. A reputable equipment supplier with extensive experience and expertise can provide the best equipment and supply assistance and advice and help in designing a suitable gym environment. With the right set of tools and planning, help build up a fitness facility with the best equipment possible or even just put together a small home gym that would suit your needs and budget.

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Dumbbells are a Boon to Fitness Freaks

Free weights are great for fitness buffs. From gym rats to home based exercise junkies, dumbbells give a multitude of exercise routine options. Home exercise equipment manufacturers have taken up the challenge of providing advanced exercise equipment to improve and optimize the way we keep fit. New designs for free weights and dumbbells have made it accessible even to home based gyms and not just for big health and fitness facilities.

Old dumbbell designs use to be simplistic, using individual weights. This meant that you had to keep and maintain a lot of gear, which also takes up a lot of space and looking after. Advances in modern design now gives us compact modular equipment like adjustable dumbbells. They work by allowing the weight to be adjusted in 5 pound increments. The rest of the weight is left on a cradle while the needed weight is lifted free. This gives an already versatile tool even more flexibility.

Dumbbells could be used for a number of exercise routines. Alternate arm curls help build up biceps. Kickback lifts are good for your triceps. Crunches assisted with dumbbells help tone and firm up abdominal muscles. Dumbbell dead lifts are used to work your back muscles. You can even use rowing exercises with dumbbells for your shoulders.

Use dumbbells with leg exercises. Squats and forward lunges are great for working your upper and lower thigh muscles. Side lunges will work and tone the inner thighs, so do not miss a few repetitions of those. Toe raises target your calf muscles.

As clearly illustrated, dumbbells provide a lot of uses for different exercises. making them one of the most versatile home exercise equipment available in the market. Its simplicity of use and compact size makes it a great exercise tool. Pick up a good pair today and level up your exercise routine.

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A Guide on How to Buy Weight Lifting Equipment

There are a couple of things to consider before you go on to purchase your weight lifting equipment—and they are especially important if you are buying online and setting up a gym at home. Here are a few tips:

• Do your research -Take a look at product reviews and see what other customers have to say. Read the product description to find out what the equipment is made of. As with anything that you are about to try for the first time, you have to do a little searching and reading. 

• Buy from a reputable shop - Purchase your gym equipment from a shop that is not only authorised to sell genuine products, but is also manned by experts who know thing or two about what they are selling to their customers. Read up the shop’s history and testimonials. Check if they perform installation services and how fast they can deliver.

• Measure your space - Take note of the dimensions of where you plan on placing your gym equipment. Most of these machines need a minimum amount of room for maximum efficiency and safety reasons. Measure the height, width and length of your available space and compare them with the actual measurements of the products.

• Try before you buy - If you can, then test out the equipment before you buy it. If not, go by the reviews.Some online shops accept returns and exchanges, which is highly useful if you are having it delivered to you and can’t test it before buying.

• Go for adjustable - If your home weight lifting equipment will be used by multiple users, buy something adjustable and adaptive to various sizes and capabilities. Buy barbells that can be easily adjusted with a push or lifting a pin; same goes for presses. For kettle balls and dumbbells, purchase various weights to accommodate novice to expert lifters.

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4 Reasons Why a Rowing Machine Gives the Perfect Workout

You have probably heard that rowing is the perfect exercise—and for many people, it truly is. If you don’t like running, spinning, and other such activities, then rowing might be the right match for you. It’s a great workout for anyone of any fitness level. Here are four reasons why:

• It’s efficient - If you are exercising because you want to lose weight, then there is no better workout than rowing. The entire body is used as you perform the movements (contrary to the popular belief that you only make use of your arms in rowing). Most people consider rowing to be around 60 percent a lower body exercise and 40 percent an upper body workout. It also works out your core because resistance comes from all directions. You can burn up to 800 calories in an hour of rowing—that is twice the amount you could burn spinning!

• It is safer and helps prevent injury. Rowing puts less stress on the joints which decreases the risks involved in exercising. This workout can also improve your posture as it engages the back muscles. Of course, you need to use proper technique to get the most of the workout without overexerting yourself.

• It is convenient Rowing can be done at home—no lake necessary. There are tons of affordable rowing machines available in the market. Rowing is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. Most rowing machines also have adjustable resistance for beginners to experts. If there is no gym equipment store near your area, then its best to purchase online and have your rowing machine delivered right to your doorstep. When buying online, ask about the shop’s return and exchange policy.

• It’s great for your health - More than weight loss, rowing also strengthens the cardiovascular, circulatory, immune and respiratory systems. This endurance workout won’t only make you leaner, but also stronger and healthier overall.

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Five Fitness Accessories to Enhance your Workout

Do you want to enjoy your workouts even more? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to fitness accessories to change up your routine. Consider buying the following:

Heart Rate Monitor

Exercising is no doubt good for you, but you don’t want to overdo it to the point of overworking your heart. This is why heart monitors are recommended. They can help you keep track of your heart vitals and tells you if you are pushing too hard.

Aerobic Step Deck

A step deck can take your aerobic exercises to the next level. Choose a multi-functional model that is useful for a variety of exercises and can be adjusted in a variety of ways. Some of the best ones can adjust in height, from 20 to 35 centimeters.

Foam Roller

You definitely need these to relax and stretch your tired leg muscles. A good foam roller gives you plenty of self-massage options. It can work on your IT bands, calves, or quads. Choose a three in one model—a massage stick inside a low-density foam roller stashed inside a high-density foam roller.

Exercise Mat

These fitness accessories can definitely make floor exercises a lot more comfortable. Choose a high-quality PVC vinyl covered exercise mat that is made with high density aerothene foams. Don’t fall for cheaper alternatives that are made of low density foam. They don’t offer the protection you need and tend to fall apart easily.

Resistance Bands

When you ask gym instructors what their favorite affordable fitness accessories are, they will likely say resistance bands. These rubber bands provide a cheap way to keep those muscles toned while helping you develop strength. The workout possibilities are endless. Go for a 1.5-meter resistance band—it’s the perfect length for hundreds of exercises.

Other accessories

A great music player can help ensure that you never get bored during your workouts. Listening to your favorite tunes can keep you focused on your exercise goals and even help you relax during cool down. You will also need a water bottle, to keep yourself hydrated during your workout session.

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