Review: FitDesk 2.0 Folding Exercise Bike With Massage Bar

Home exercise equipment is a growing market. People are growing increasingly concerned about personal health and well-being, and are seeking ways to ensure they get enough exercise. But people are also concerned about the economy and are trying to cut their costs. Home exercise equipment allows people to drop their gym membership and still get a decent workout at home, meaning they save money on expensive gym fees.

This isn’t the only problem people face though. As we've been discussing this month, for many people who spend their time sitting in a chair and getting very little exercise on a daily basis it can be hard to meet the demands of bodily health with work commitments. That’s why products like the FitDesk 2.0 are gaining in popularity. They offer fitness equipment with a built-in work station, meaning you can actually work at your job or desk while you stay healthy.

The FitDesk 2.0 is much like an exercise bike, although it’s not a recumbent device. This allows you to sit upright with a good posture as you work at the built-in work surface. But is this product any good, or does it fall short of its aims? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Key Features Of The FitDesk 2.0

RRP: $239.99
Dimensions: 28 x 16 x 45 inches
Weight: 45 lbs
Desk Surface Dimensions: 18 X 19 inches
Warranty: 1 year

FitDesk 2.0: The Pros

Be Fit And Stay Productive: The whole point of equipment like the FitDesk is to combine your workspace with fitness equipment. This is perfect for those who work from home and struggle to find the time to keep fit. It’s especially good for those who have jobs that require you to be seated for the majority of the day – such as any computer-based job.

So if you are chained to the desk, it can be really hard to get any exercise at all. Sure you could work out after you’re done for the day, but sometimes that’s not enough, and sometimes you’ll have other commitments. Products like this take away the dilemma.

This machine functions like an exercise bike. You pedal with various resistance settings to improve your cardiovascular health and strengthen your legs. But the big difference is that there’s a work surface built into this machine. So you can sit on it and pedal while you get on with paperwork or place a laptop on the surface and get on with your emails. This allows you to be more efficient with your time and keep up your productivity even as you get fit.

Compact: Another great thing about the FitDesk 2.0 is that it’s very compact. Not only is it’s footprint pretty small, meaning that it can be set up in small places, but it’s also able to fold away. This means it can be stored in small areas and doesn’t have to be left out all the time. If you’re living in a small apartment where space is at a premium, this is a great advantage, and really makes the FitDesk an excellent choice.

Price: At around $300 (less on Amazon.com) the FitDesk 2.0 is pretty affordable. It falls at the lower end of the price range, with many similar products coming in at around $1,000, and a handful coming in slightly cheaper than this. But for the money this is a good solid product. It won’t break the bank so it’s affordable for most, helping you if you’re trying to stick to a budget and keep your costs low.

Massage Rollers: The FitDesk 2.0 has conveniently placed massage rollers. These allow you to relieve strained wrists after extended periods of typing. If you often find your wrists getting tired and uncomfortable, the massage rollers can alleviate the discomfort and help to prevent wrist injury.

Squeeze Grips: This machine also has built-in squeeze grips. These allow you to develop grip strength as you work, and can alleviate stress in a way similar to a stress ball. There are also resistance bands built-in so you can do some upper body resistance exercise whilst sat at the machine.

Quiet: The FitDesk 2.0 runs quietly. Some machines generate a lot of noise which can be distracting and also interfere with others in the house. If you like to watch TV as you exercise this can also be a problem. You won’t have any issues with this machine though.

Sturdy: All machines benefit from being sturdy, but it’s especially important when you’re going to work on a desk that’s attached to the machine. Whether you’re sorting papers, writing or using a laptop it’s important that your work surface remains stable at all times. The FitDesk 2.0 does this nicely.

FitDesk 2.0: The Cons

Weight Limit: The weight limit of the FitDesk is 250 pounds. That will cover most people, but definitely not all. Some home exercise equipment goes up to 300 pounds or even beyond and that’s desirable, especially when the product is targeted at people who have sedentary desk-oriented lifestyles. It’s a shame this machine can’t support heavier users.

Assembly: The assembly of this product isn’t all that tricky in itself, but the instructions that guide you are poor. Good instructions would make this a breeze, but as it is those who aren’t mechanically minded might find the assembly frustrating.

No Bottle Holder: This is a fairly minor issue, but the lack of bottle holder is a disappointment. It would be helpful for those using this while working for extended periods of time who don't want to risk spilling drinks on the desk while working.

Is The FitDesk 2.0 Worth Buying?
There’s very little wrong with the FitDesk 2.0, certainly nothing significant that I've heard about. And it’s reasonably priced too. If you’re on a budget and tight for space in your home this is a great choice for getting more exercise while working, watching TV, writing, or other typically sedentary activities.

Click Here to Buy the FitDesk 2.0 on Amazon.com

Video - Couch Potato Quickie Workout

This short video demonstrates a number of exercises you can do while watching your favorite TV show. Incorporating both strength and cardio, this total body workout can be done during commercial breaks, or while watching the show. And you don't HAVE to stay on the couch the whole time -  you can certainly do regular jumping jacks for the length of one commercial (or a whole commercial break if you're gung-ho), but the versions shown here are all low-impact, which is easier if you have joint problems or are out of shape.

Keep in mind that if you have a softer couch, you may need to move to the floor for some of the exercises. Doing some of these without the proper support (for example the leg lifts) can be difficult or even cause injury, so be aware of this, and if you don't have as firm a couch as shown in the video, just scoot onto the floor to do these.

Have fun, and get fit!

Couch Potato Total-Body Quickie Workout w/ Laurel House
Don't just sit there watching TV... workout! Yes you can multitasking your favorite shows by moving your body, burning massive amounts of calories and gettin...


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Boxing Training for Fun & Fitness

If you're looking to try a new fun way of getting in shape, you may want to try boxing training. Many people see numerous positive results from boxing. You may build stronger and more defined arms and legs, and increased endurance and muscle and lung power. These programs and classes can also help you to gain a sense of inner strength and emotional balance.

Boxing training classes entered the mainstream of physical fitness training a few years back. Many have seen the benefits on the cardiovascular system and toning of the muscles through these boxing training workouts. Tae bo workout videos also popularized boxing and kickboxing exercises.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cardio boxing training classes include innovative variations of sparring jabs, power punches, defense, and fitness, blended together to give you a great aerobic workout. You will learn the proper execution of punch and kick combinations for a more intensive workout that can help you become stronger and more confident.

The combinations of blocks, jabs, and kicks you perform are typically executed on an imagined opponent. You may see classes where participants throw punches and kicks in the air. You will also find training camps that have quality equipment such as punching bags and you may also have the option of getting a partner that has padded hands.

You may also enjoy more benefits aside from the physical strength-building aspects of boxing training. Cardio kick-boxing workouts allow you to burn 350 to 500 calories per hour. Moreover, these boxing training classes improve your speed, resistance, and strength. Flexibility and muscle reflexes are also enhanced. The movements require you to develop balance and coordination in order to keep your body stable and maintain a good form.

Students enjoy a kickboxing workout. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These physical benefits you gain from boxing and kickboxing are just a few of the many benefits that they can provide. You will be able to learn more about defense skills, which you may use in case of unwanted instances. Kicking and punching are also great movements in terms of relieving stress, which is one of the biggest contributors to health problems including obesity. After a kickboxing workout, you may feel a sense of lightness in your body and peace of mind as well.

Many aerobic and fitness experts recommend that you start out with boxing training lessons for beginners. These allow you to work out at your desired pace and body condition. More advanced boxing classes will let you push yourself to the limit as long as you are safe and well conditioned.

Positive results await you with boxing training. You will most likely lose weight, and get in better shape so that you can enjoy a physically fit body, as well as cardiovascular benefits and stress relief. If you're looking for a new fun way to work out, check out a boxing or kickboxing class today! Or check out some of the resources below that you can do in your own home.

Try Boxing & Kickboxing At Home:
   

Barefoot Running: Why You Should Try It

It seems that everyone and their brother are trying out the latest running craze. It’s called barefoot running. And while many barefoot runners don’t actually run without any foot protection, the shoes they wear are minimal. Proponents of bare foot running say that it has alleviated their running pain.

Barefoot running (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They claim to be able to run better without traditional running shoes and there is a lot of evidence to support this. We weren’t born with shoes on after all and a running shoe does alter the way your foot hits the ground. Much like wearing high heels, traditional running shoes elevate the heel and may cause more harm than good.

Reasons to Consider Barefoot Running
There are two main reasons why people try and often prefer to run barefoot (or with minimal shoes). These reasons include:

1. Less Risk of Injury

When you run as your body was meant to run, that is without a shoe altering the movement of your feet and legs, you move naturally. This reduces your risk of injury. Additionally, when you run barefoot you will notice almost immediately that your foot hits the ground differently.

Your foot will strike at the midfoot, instead of hitting your heel first and rolling through you’ll hit more flat footed. You will also run with shorter strides and you’ll run more lightly. All of these changes reduce your risk of injury. The muscles in your ankles and feet become stronger too which means they can handle more when you run. You’ll be able to run further and faster without injury.

An example of a barefoot runner in a 5K race. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. It’s Fun!

The other reason is that many find running barefoot to be more fun. Think about how the grass or sand feels on your feet. For most, this is a good feeling. Running barefoot enables you to begin to experience the world through your feet. It’s almost like wearing gloves all of your life and then taking them off to feel the world around you with your hands for the first time! It’s a lovely sensory experience.

Before You Run
It’s important to start slow if you’re considering barefoot running. In fact, most experts recommend walking barefoot around your home and in your yard first. You need to build the muscles in your feet and acclimate your feet to the rough textures on the ground first. You may also be happy to know that barefoot running doesn’t make your feet look ugly. In fact, most barefoot runners don’t have calloused or hard feet. Their feet look natural and soft.

If you’re interested in trying barefoot running, you may also consider starting with a pair of minimalist shoes. You’ll still want to start slowly and strengthen your feet; however you may be able to get on the road faster with a little protection.

Be sure to check back Thursday for some helpful tips for getting started with this fun form of exercise!

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How to Make Exercise Fun Again

It seems that most people that keep giving up on exercise are often the ones that don't enjoy it. From my perspective, I don't understand this problem as I love almost any form of exercise and get true enjoyment out of it.

This goes beyond just your typical weight lifting and cardio routines also. You really do need to find forms of exercise you enjoy and that are fun for you if you're really going to stick with them for the long term.

Check out this great article for a lot of fun ideas to get back on track with your workouts.... 

Workout Ideas to Make Fitness Fun

When you ask someone to workout with you, you will often hear the word "no." People often think of working out as boring. Maybe even you think that working out is boring and would rather do "fun" things than spend time at the gym doing some Image via Wikipediaboring workout routines. However, in today's world, more and more people are putting up with boring workout routines because of the alarming increase of heart related diseases and obesity. You have to consider that you have to take care of your body in order to live a happier and more satisfying life.

You and only you are responsible for maintaining your body's health. This is why you have to do regular workouts in order to keep your body in top working condition. Failing to do so will result in a disease-ridden life where you and your family will suffer. So, right now, while you are still in good health, is the time to start doing fitness workouts in order to keep your body healthy (plus this will give you the benefit of having a great-looking body that you can show off during summers at the beach!) :-)

However, if you find regular fitness workout routines very boring, there are quite a lot of things that you can do to make your workouts more fun. There are lots of fun activities that you can do which you can enjoy and at the same time, have a very effective workout.

First of all, many people think of fitness workouts as being limited to the gym. However, you have to start thinking out of the box and start being creative. Active sports such as swimming, golf, tennis, football, and basketball are fun sports that can give you a great quality workout experience. For example, if you like to play tennis, there are quite a lot of tennis schools available that can teach you how to play. You can even include your family in this fun activity and all of you can have fun while at the same time, promoting fitness.

Image via WikipediaIf you are not sports minded or you can't think of any sport you enjoy, you might also consider dancing as a great fitness workout that is a lot of fun. There are many dance classes available at all different kinds of fitness centers and dance studios these days. Although some people think that dancing is easy, may be surprised when you try it to learn that it's not. Dancing is quite difficult and can be very stressful for your body as it will require you to run, walk, and jump around in the dance floor to do those dance moves. Dancing can definitely be a great fitness workout alternative if you find regular gym workouts boring. Plus, dancing is also fun for two if both you and your significant other enroll in the same classes, and may even add some new romance to your relationship!

These are just a few examples that can make your fitness workouts more fun and more enjoyable. There are still quite a lot of activities out there that you can do for fun and at the same time, give you a great quality workout. There are belly dancing activities, there are hiking and camping activities, there is rock climbing, horseback riding, ice skating and a lot more. All you need to do is find one that interests you and be creative.