Dumbbell Exercises Are Great for Fitness and Increasing Muscle Mass

Dumbbell exercises are some of the most effective workouts for both men and women of all ages. Fitness enthusiasts and instructors love doing and recommending them because they can yield results quickly. Dumbbell exercises are great for toning upper body muscles as well as lower body muscles. They are also effective in building muscle mass, just like barbells. However, unlike barbells, dumbbells allow you to work on your stability. Since lifting two dumbbells at once is more challenging than lifting a barbell, your stabilizer muscles have to focus deeper in keeping you steady.

Training with dumbbells won't only help you develop muscles but also allow you to gain functional strength. The difference in your performance will be significantly noticeable if you commit to a simple dumbbell workout plan and do it regularly.

You can do a wide variety of exercises with dumbbells to target different muscle groups and achieve different fitness goals. The following examples can benefit your arms, shoulders, core as well as quads, hams, thighs, and legs.

For Beginners:

·         Lateral raise

·         Biceps curl

·         Lunges

For Intermediate Users:

·         Overhead press

·         Chess flye

·         Bent-over row

For Advanced Users:

·         Chest Pull

·         Split-Squat

·         Front Squat

Another reason why dumbbells are so popular is that they are accessible; in fact, they’re the first tools that are likely to be picked up by beginners in a gym. They are also the first thing people buy when they are building their home gyms. Dumbbells are readily available at gym equipment stores online. They come in a range of shapes and sizes. You can buy a full rack of dumbbells or an adjustable dumbbell set if your space is limited. Whatever type of dumbells work for you, a reputable online store will surely have them.

A Brief Buying Guide for a Rowing Machine

A Brief Buying Guide for a Rowing Machine

A rowing machine is indeed a great addition to your home gym. But with so many brands to choose from, finding the right rowing machine that meets your budget and fitness goals can be difficult. The best model is one that can really help you achieve the weight, physique, and endurance level that you have always wanted. By carefully considering the following factors, you can pick the right rowing machine for yourself: 

Rowing Machine Resistance Type - 

The resistance type is the number one factor you seriously have to consider as it greatly affects the intensity level of your workout and smoothness of your rowing motion. 

• Magnetic rowing machines offer a basic workout experience, but they are very effective in helping people achieve their fitness goals. They are popular with many home gym buyers as they are some of the most affordable choices. 

• Air rowing machines are said to provide the best exercise experience because they come with adjustable resistance levels. Some air rowing machines combine magnetic and air resistance. They are cheaper than an average air rowing machine and are considered the best option on the market.

• Water rowing machines are also a great choice for those who like to experience a more realistic rowing workout. The only downside is that they are expensive. 

• If you are really budget-conscious, choose a hydraulic rowing machine. It is the cheapest type on the market. Its rowing motion is quiet but not as smooth as other types. If you only intend to work out once a week, then this rowing machine will be good enough.

Your Budget and Your Space

Find out the measurements of your space and the amount of money you are willing to pay for a brand-new machine. That way, you can filter out your options better. If you have a limited space at home, consider a foldable rowing machine or a model with transport wheels. 

Brand or Supplier 

Trusted manufacturers and suppliers live by their promised quality and service. They offer good warranty policies and after-sales services to provide 100% customer satisfaction.

Know About the Different Types of CrossFit Equipment in Singapore

CrossFit can be considered an anti-specialization type of workout, in which the goal is total fitness not just in a single fitness domain but in all. It is one of the best ways to achieve complete physical fitness if you want to be a well-rounded, physically capable and wholly competent individual. This holistic approach to training is exactly why CrossFit is widely accepted by emergency and military services, where personnel must exude strength and endurance. It is also why the training is very popular and attractive to the general public, as evidenced by numerous affiliated gyms popping up not only in Singapore but the rest of the world.

General physical fitness and preparedness is an attractive concept to most people. Not only this—CrossFit also promises results like weight loss, greater agility, more strength, and better speed. This conditioning program uses and prescribes high-intensity and constantly varied, functional movements so as to optimize all ten domains of fitness, including cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, strength, stamina, power, flexibility, coordination, speed, balance, agility, and accuracy. For this, practitioners need different kinds of equipment, which, in the true spirit of the CrossFit program, are very minimalist in nature.

CrossFit uses the most basic exercise equipment you can think of, such as bars, weights, squat stands, gymnastic rings, back exit benches, ab mats, plyo boxes, rowers, kettlebells, jump rope, and a place to run. However, the most essential equipment you will definitely need when taking on CrossFit training include Olympic bars and weight sets, along with a place where you can perform dips and pull-ups. Some practitioners also consider gymnastics rings as great equipment options, because they are inexpensive, durable, versatile, and hugely challenging. Moreover, they enable users to do dips, pull-ups, muscle-ups, and other free-form movements and exercises, most anywhere with just a single piece of equipment.  

Know About the Benefits of Having a Smith Machine

If you have muscle building goals then you have probably heard of the Smith machine. The basic Smith machine consists of a barbell that is attached to steel rails. You can do numerous weight exercises using it. There are also many advantages to owning a Smith machine. Here are some of them:

Number of exercises that you can do

The Smith machine is great for targeting various muscle parts. You can perform incline Smith presses, decline Smith presses, barbell rows, incline JM presses, squats, lunges, drag curls, and upright rows. These exercises can build muscle mass and enhance overall body strength.

Hypertrophy

A Smith machine is very effective in targeting specific muscle sections that conventional workouts don’t engage. With a proper form, you can constantly pinpoint a particular set of muscles and develop them with every use of this machine.

Diversity

Lifting weights should be fun. Owning a Smith machine allows you to vary your exercise routines right in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Safety

Using a Smith machine is safe because the barbell and the weights are fixed to a rail. As long as you do the correct stance, doing exercises on a Smith machine won’t be as demanding to your joints compared to free weights.

If you are going to buy a Smith machine, you might as well buy a product that has multiple tools fixed on it. You can go for a modular Smith machine that has a linear bearing Smith bar, a machine for the pectoral muscles, storage for weight plates, commercial grade cables, and weight stacks. These upgraded Smith machines will not only give you a more comfortable weight lifting workout but also allow a variety of routines and sets.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Spin Bike in Singapore

Riding a spin bike is wonderful for burning calories, building stamina, and increasing overall muscle strength. But not all spinning bikes are the same. You should take note of different factors when getting one for yourself. Here are some of the things that you should look out for before buying a spin bike in Singapore:

Adjustable seat

People come in different sizes—and so should spin bike seats. Choose a model that has adjustable seats that can be moved both horizontally and vertically. You should be able to comfortably sit on the bike and place your hands on the handlebars.

Multiple position handlebars

You can take advantage of multiple position handlebars to exercise and target various sections of the body. The multi-position handlebars should also simulate the normal biking experience.

Non-slip and ergonomic grips

Since you are using a spin bike in Singapore to enhance your body and improve your health, your equipment should have non-slip and ergonomic grips to keep you going.

Adjustable resistance

Choose a spin bike that allows you to increase the resistance needed to turn the pedal. By gradually raising the resistance, you get better over time. You can push your body to adapt to the power needed to turn the pedal and consequently, improve your own strength.

Smooth flywheel

The flywheel should provide a smooth ride. It must use commercial grade bearings and a high-quality crank so that the whole biking experience is stable and as natural as possible. It should also give a near-silent biking so that you don’t get distracted during your workouts.

Emergency stop

The best spin bikes in Singapore have emergency brakes in cases where you need to instantly stop the bike from spinning. It is a safety precaution to prevent accidents and injuries.

Know about Refurbished Treadmills - What Exactly Are They?

As the name implies, refurbished treadmills are used units that are remanufactured and fixed to sell them lower than their original market price. They do look like a brand-new unit, which makes them better than used or second-hand units. But these are not everything there is to know about refurbished treadmills. 

Refurbished treadmills are disassembled and reconstructed to some degree to make them look brand new once more. The frames are often repainted or resprayed. The handlebars may also be replaced, making it sometimes difficult to tell which between two kinds is refurbished or not. 

Aside from this, refurbished treadmills often have no warranty or very limited warranty. Most of the parts may be unused. Still, they are old and are more prone to getting damaged, so don't be too surprised if one or two parts of the treadmill break after a few uses. Simply put, refurbished treadmills are just not as good as you hope they would be -- despite their appearance. 

If you are determined to buy refurbished treadmills, follow these tips. 

• Check the model of the treadmill. Researching about the model of the treadmill is important as some sellers won't say how long the unit has been used. By checking the model, you can find out the year it is manufactured. 

• Know what company remanufactured the treadmills. If you are buying straight from the manufacturer, then you can guarantee that they are refurbished with quality assurance.

• Opt for refurbished treadmills with warranty. Know also what the warranty covers. Typically, refurbished units from manufacturers include as much as 90 days of warranty. 

All this said, brand new treadmills are the best option for most people. Buying from reputable shops gives you the confidence and peace of mind that your treadmill is durable and is made of high-quality materials. And with the wide range of units available today, you can surely find the one that suits your budget.

Benefits of Resistance Band/Tube Workouts in Weight loss

You don’t necessarily need expensive gym equipment to lose weight. In fact, even a  basic resistance band workout can help you tone up. You may be wondering—could these flimsy-looking and bright-coloured resistance bands really help you shed unwanted fat? The answer is yes. They may be less popular compared to other exercise equipment like dumbbells and kettlebells, but resistance bands (or resistance tubes) are highly effective. Here's why you should never underestimate them especially when it comes to weight loss.

1. They can add intensity to your regular workouts. Using resistance bands while doing front squats, bicep curls, and side leg raise can make these workouts more challenging. Adding resistance to your regular exercise routine yields to greater results such as losing weight faster.

2. They can help in building muscles, which means losing more calories. Resistance training supports fat loss, allowing targeted muscles to be more active. In fact, when you add resistance bands, more muscles must be engaged in order to do a regular exercise properly. This is why you can build muscles even if you are not lifting weights. The appearance of leaner muscles can only mean one thing: you are losing fat and burning calories. 

3. Resistance band workouts are fun and convenient alternatives to other fitness routines. If you are not fond of running on a treadmill or if you don't have access to cardio machines, then just do resistance band workouts. With these simple pieces of elastic bands, you can do a fat-blasting full-body workout. 

Take note, though that while resistance bands and resistance tubes are often used interchangeably, they are actually different. Resistance bands are flat pieces of elastic while resistance tubes are round elastics with a hole in the middle. Some tubes also have handles that make them easier to use. Nevertheless, both type can be used for a wide variety of workouts for weight loss and building strength. 

Both types also come at affordable prices. Should you want to save more money for your resistance bands/tubes, try buying online. Reputable online stores of high-quality gym equipment often offer sale and discounts to all their customers. 

Are Fitness Balls the Key to Your Home Workout?

Fitness balls provide a convenient way to exercise at home. They can give you a full body workout if you know how to manipulate them and use their attributes to your advantage. Fitness balls have certain characteristics that make them excellent tools for home workouts.

Round shape

The round shape of the fitness ball presents the user with an unstable platform. Because of this instability, you need to balance the weight of your body as you sit on it while doing your routines and sets. This makes every movement harder while forcing you to engage your core and abs.

Fitness balls come in a number of sizes to accommodate the weight and height of different users. You can lie on top of the ball for core exercises, put your feet on it for elevated push-ups and hamstring exercises, or you can sit on it for different lower body workouts.

Durability

An inflated ball surely looks like it might easily break or blow up, but don’t worry. High-quality fitness balls are made of puncture resistant plastic materials. They can be inflated to 75 cm and withstand continuous heavy loads. Because of their ability to retain their shape even while sustaining weights and forces, they are very effective when doing repetitive exercises and workout sets.

Affordability

You don’t have to spend much on a fitness ball. In fact, you can get one for as low as $20. If you don’t have the budget to buy different exercise machines, a fitness ball is a nice tool to start with. You can use it to develop exercise habits and introduce your body to routine workouts. There are many ways to utilize this simple tool to improve your strength, stamina, and overall body stability.

The Science of Choosing a Treadmill in Singapore

If you are looking for a treadmill that you can use at home, don’t just look at the price of the product. There are many other factors to consider. Here are things that you should look into when choosing a treadmill in Singapore:

Motor horsepower

Is a higher rated horsepower better? Technically, yes. ‘Horsepower’ is a unit of measurement that is used to quantify the rate at which work is performed. You can also measure power in terms of watts or joules per second. A higher horsepower gives greater control to the treadmill. This is especially true for products that have advanced numerous features such as the ability to adjust the angle of inclination or increase the speed of the conveyor belts.

If you plan on using the treadmill regularly, you should choose a treadmill with 2.5 to 4 horsepower. A higher horsepower is also more versatile to accommodate heavier users and faster runners.

Belt

People have different stride lengths. The treadmill must provide a comfortable running zone for you. The average belt running area 120 to 150 cm in length and 40 to 50 cm in width. You must also check the quality of the belt. Is it made from commercial grade materials? Higher priced treadmills use 2- to 3-ply belts for maximum and efficient output.

Inclination

To add more resistance to your running, you can get treadmills with inclination features. An automated angle control can help you easily adjust your preferred running inclination. The higher the angle, the higher the intensity.

Shock absorption technology

The treadmill will have to sustain constant pounding throughout its lifetime. Choose a unit that has shock absorption technology to resist the load and keep everything moving like they should. Some treadmills use a suspension mechanism to reduce the stress. Advanced models can also soften your landing and minimize impact.

Things You Need To Know About Your Resistance Band Workout

Resistance bands are very effective in helping you tone your body. They are versatile in targeting different muscle sections. You just need the right workout program to maximize their use. Perhaps the best thing about resistance bands is that they can be used anywhere and anytime. You can do your workouts at home, in the community park, and even at work. You can even take your bands with you if you’re traveling. All you need is a small space for your movement and stretching. Ready to start? Here are some exercises that you can do with resistance bands:

Front Squat

By putting the bands underneath your feet and holding each side with both hands, you can do your front squats. This exercise improves the muscles all over your body. It targets the legs, chest, back, arms, and core muscles. Always check your form as you descend and go up. Keep your back straight to avoid putting stress on it. 

Glute Bridge

You can lie down and wrap the resistance bands around your legs just above the knees. Gently lifting your hips upward can cause the glutes to contract, making this move you need a very powerful strength routine. You can do this up to 20 times per set. 

Lateral Band Walk

To build muscles around your legs, you can put the resistance bands around your ankles and move your feet from side to side, thus creating tension between the legs. You can move from one side at about 10 repetitions before going back to the other side. 

It can be difficult to imagine how these resistance band workouts are done just by reading instructions. Luckily, there are plenty of free videos online showing how to do them properly. You can start right away for as long as you do the movements slowly and carefully. 

Dumbbell Workout Program to Build A Better Body

If you are looking for a simple and affordable tool to use for building strength, you can’t go wrong with dumbbells. They are compact weights that take up very little space yet produce dramatic results when used correctly. Following a dumbbell workout program can help you improve and tone your body—and you don’t need to go to a gym for it.  

When setting up your own workout program, you can choose to do isolations or a combination of exercises to build upper and lower body strength. Some people assign particular days for the biceps, back, triceps, arms, chest, and core, and then other days for calves, legs, and sides. You can also mix the exercises for your upper and lower body to enable you to shorten the duration of the program per day. Whichever you choose, ensure a correct form and posture as you perform the exercises using dumbbells.

If you have a bench press at home, you can use different types of sets to develop different sections of your arms and chest. You can also incline the bench to develop other parts of your body. But if you do not have a bench press, don’t worry—you can still do various exercises with just the dumbbells. 

For triceps, you can do a kickback. To improve your biceps, you can do curls. Dumbbell lateral raises are used to strengthen deltoid muscles. Leg muscles are developed by doing lunges, squats and toe raises. 

There is a wide selection of dumbbells to choose from. You can get traditional sets where you add and remove weights on each end of the dumbbells according to your preferences. But you can also get the Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells that allow you to easily attach and detach weights depending on the exercise that you want to do.

The key to achieving real results is consistency. Once you start a dumbbell program, stick to it and gradually increase weights weekly. This is the best way to build muscles safely and quickly.

Dumbbell Weights - Your Guide to Using and Buying Dumbbells

Dumbbell weight is the popular exercise equipment used widely by many across the world. This is one of the basic equipment used to strengthen your body muscles. It can be used regularly in your everyday workout. 

There are various types of dumbbell weights available to select from such as fixed dumbbells, studio dumbbells and adjustable dumbbells. However, identifying the right one that can suit your expectations is crucial. Here follow a few tips to help you buy the dumbbells for your physical workout – 

• Weight ranges: Try to choose the weight range that ends on heavy weight. Moreover, try to make sure that the dumbbell you choose is made of strong materials like urethane for its durability.

• Materials: You should also consider other materials like rubber, steel and others that can be frequently used in dumbbell. These materials can also influence your workouts.

• For the beginners: Although there are attractive choices available to engage the beginners like Escape Red Urethane dumbbells, you should consider the increase in weight gradual by 1KG. 

• Different sets: Consider having at least a few different sets of dumbbells to cater your varying needs. Especially in case of a gym, this may help meeting the various requirements of the users. 

• Material choices: Dumbbells are available in different material choices like steel, which are stylish and attractive, rubber, the natural material which is thick and durable, SBX, which is synthetic, hardwearing and odorless rubber and urethane, which is the high quality durable material.

• Type of usage: You should also consider the usage type such as light, medium and heavy. Based on your usage type you can choose the dumbbell that may suit your expectations in best ways. 

Besides these above-said factors to consider when selecting the dumbbell, you should also take a few other elements into your consideration such as fixed pressed head, bonded end plates and much more. Try to choose this workout equipment according to your usage. You can take the suggestions and recommendations from your physical practitioner to choose the right dumbbell for your physical workout. This will help you to select perfect equipment that supports you hugely in your workouts. However, try to pay some attention on the price of the dumbbell, which should never compromise on the quality too. Undeniably, this workout equipment will offer you maximum benefits in maintaining your overall body physique and stay stronger and energetic.

How to Use an Exercise Ball for Abs

The exercise balls are the best exercise equipment for your abs. They help to reduce the belly fat hugely whilst helping you achieve slim and fit body. There is no doubt that this exercise ball can offer you best workout experience with simple postures. There is also no need for a professional’s guidance to do your exercises. 

If you are very specific at reducing your excess body weight and maintain a perfect body in a healthy way, then understanding how to use these balls in the right way is crucial. Here follow a few tips to help you use this ball to achieve better results from your workouts: 

• Ball crunch: This is a simple posture in which you lie on your lower back on the ball and place both your hands behind ears. Simply roll your shoulder blades and up and lower yourself back down 

• Ball crunch- Legs elevated: In this workout, you simply lie on your back, and calves on the ball top and arms across the check. Simply roll your shoulder bales up and lower. 

• Ball side crunch: In this posture, try to lie on side against the ball and keep your arms across the chest whilst legs extended and feet wide apart. This will give you balance. Try to raise your upper body up from the ball, then lower it back down. Try to repeat on the alternate sides 

• Ball sit-up: In this try to lie on your lower back on ball and place hands behind ears. Simply raise upper body from the ball and lower it the backdown. Try to breathe out when contracting ab muscles and breathe in when returning to the starting position 

• Ab rollout: Just lie on your knees. Place your hand on ball top. Try to extend your arms and back straight. Roll on top of ball until upper arms are presses against it 

• Table top: In this workout, try to lie on your knees whilst keeping your forearms on the ball top with elbows 90degree angle. Try to raise your knees from floor by rolling forwards  on ball till the legs are fully extended 

Your exercise ball workouts will not get limited with the above-said postures and choices, but you can extend it widely to more. You can however take the guidance of the physical trainer to learn more workouts or watch online videos that can teach you more workouts to be done using exercise balls. 

Enjoy Yoga with a Good and Comfortable Yoga Mat

Selecting the right choice of yoga mat can offer you maximum comfort while practicing. There is various choices available, however, selecting the right one absolutely depends on your personal preferences. If you want to enjoy maximum comfort, then you certainly need to understand how to select the right one.

Here are a few elements that may help you select the right yoga mat, which can offer you maximum comfort:

• Types of yoga mats: Try to know a few common types available before you tend to select: 

o Basic sticky mats: This is a common type with slightly sticky texture and thus you can hold the poses for a long time without slipping.

o Natural rubber mat: This type is a good choice made of natural rubber material and it boasts non-toxic qualities.

o Plastic elastomer mat: This type is an innovative choice and this is environmentally friendly too. This is a cheaper option, easy to clean and maintain.

o Cotton mat: This type gives cushioning feel with soft texture. It can absorb sweat and easy to clean.

o Jute mat: This contains natural jute fibers, which are biodegradable and it is a perfect choice for all types of yoga possess. 

o Travel mat: This type is weightless and easy to carry. You can easily fold and keep in your luggage. It offers good grip while doing the yoga posses.

• Other Selection Guide: Besides the type of mat to choose, here are a few other elements that can help you determine the right one for your yoga practices; 

o Body type: Try to choose the yoga mat based on your body type such as slim, fat or a normal body. There are mat that can offer you less cushioning, various thickness, and materials. There are also super stretch mats available for taller persons.

o Yoga type: Try to select the mat based on the type of yoga you are going to practice. For instance, a low priced mat can be a perfect choice for basic yoga.

o Place of practice: The terrain or place where you practice will also influence your mat selection. A basic mat is enough to practice yoga at home, however, a thicker is recommendable if you are going to practice in your garden area or on rough terrain.

The choices of yoga mat selection will not only limit with this, however, you can still extend to consider various other factors like color, price and more. 

Sports Equipment- Life Changing Accessories

Irrespective of the fitness activity you love to indulge in - running, cycling, gymming or any other sport, there are a number of sports equipments available that will help you in improving fitness regime. If you identify as a sports junkie, then we are sure you already own a few or all of the listed accessories. However, sports technology is changing everyday, and hence it is important to keep on track with the latest gadgets. 

Newer companies are manufacturing uber cool accessories for each and every type of sports. It goes without saying that it’s not important to have all of them. However, there are a few that every sports and fitness lover must own. This is because appropriate equipments enhance the quality and standard of your game and elevate your effectiveness. A few of the trendiest fitness gear that you can own are as follows: 

1. Iced Compression Sleeves

It is very difficult for athletes to avoid pressure on their muscles: strains, sprains and overuse injuries are common. Hence, it is important to take the requisite steps to recover quickly. This is where ice compression sleeves act as a boon for all athletes.  These sleeves stay cold and help you benefit from compression for a speedy recovery and to reduce swelling such that you can get back to your track in no time!

2. Swimming Speedy Level Lock

This is a latest innovation by the big name in swimming gear, Speedo. They have developed a unique gear which will make upper-body and pull training of swimmers more effective than before. This ankle lock is buoyant and prevents one from kicking while they promote bodily alignment in water. It consists of angled side valves that help in pressurizing water and increasing resistance. Another advantage is that it is made out of very soft materials and you can swim while wearing it without worrying about your skin getting chaffed. 

3. Sports Skull Caps 

Despite the fact that you’ve already used a skull cap for your fitness sessions, you should consider purchasing one if you train during summers and sweating is a problem! It will help you in keeping the sweat away and keeping it cool! Skull caps are based on moisture management technology and it also acts as snugly fitted protection under football helmets. 

These are few of the latest accessories that every fitness enthusiast must keep their eyes open for. Possessing these accessories will not only make your workouts more effective, but also make you a team that stands out in the crowd! 

The Exercise Resistance Bands - Things You Need to Know About

Are you aware of exercise resistance bands or are you unsure about how to use them? Are you in doubt regarding their effectiveness in achieving your goals? Can it really help you to lose that extra flab? Does it suit your body type? All your questions regarding the exercise resistance bands will be answered in the article.

What are exercise resistance bands?

These bands are basically tubes of elastic and made of latex. They are come in different forms such as some are available with attached handles or formed into loops. They are used to lose muscular strength and build up stamina and endurance therefore helping you to tone and get your desired shape.

How do these work?

As the name suggests, these bands create resistance to the movements just like when you work with weights. Instead of going with the gravity, it goes against it. This resistance helps you to achieve that lean figure you had in mind. Also the resistance is variable resistance because more you stretch, more resistance you create which creates variation in the resistance, thus the name variable resistance.

Different Kinds of Exercise Resistance Bands

Yellow Bands: This is for the beginner level. They are easy to use and are ideal for those are undergoing physiotherapy or want to work their small muscles such as rotator cuff in the shoulder.

Green and Red: This is for the intermediate level. They are used for high repetition such as more than 15 reps. This is what you would like to train your triceps and biceps with!

Dark Blue: This is for the advanced level and is used for lunges, shoulder presses and squats.

The exercise resistance bands are the best if you want the all-in-one workout equipment. You have the option to use it either at home or in the gym you usually work out in. So even if you are travelling but do not want to skip out on your workout sessions then this is the best thing to ever happen to you. It is perfect for those both men and women who are working towards losing weight or aiming to get leaner. It is also good for the body builders and also for those who are in rehab. It is also known by different names such as training bands, stretch bands among many others. Check them out now!

Tips on Purchasing Gym Floor Mats

Are you contemplating setting up a gym in your place? Or probably you are starting your own gym and need appropriate gym mats? Then you should place extra care on the gym flooring because if this escapes your attention then it might result in serious injuries. Just like you take extreme care while choosing the weights for cardio and other functional zones, you should pay attention to the flooring. Therefore this article will help you to pick the best material for your gym or the fitness center.

1. Plan how the space is going to be utilised.

When you are in the planning stage, assign spaces for different kinds of workouts you have in mind instead of shopping for the equipments first. Once the spaces are assigned, you can decide the kind of flooring you would want to use.

2. Survey the existing floor

Do you already have flooring in place? Investigate the top most flooring and then the flooring construction. For example, if the floor an elevated one or is it a wooden one? Based on your conclusions, you can decide whether you need it to be screed or do you require any extra effort in laying new flooring.

3. The Underlay

Underlay is the insulating barrier added between the structural flooring and your choice of gym flooring. Again, we will have to go back to the first point where the stress is on the designing of separate spaces for different kinds of workouts. Different underlay is required for different kinds of workouts so that the equipments are not at the risk of getting damaged. For example, the area meant for free weights needs increased amount of impact absorption and therefore it will require a thicker underlay.

4. What kind of flooring do you need?

There are three types of gym flooring available to you – Gym floor Tiles, Flooring Rolls and interlocking Floor Tiles. Gym Floor tiles are simple square tiles which are available from medium to thicker flooring and if you are going for this one, then it has to be done professionally. If you are looking for a cheaper one, then you can opt for Flooring Rolls and requires much less labour. If you like patterns then go for interlocking floor tiles. These are installed in a jigsaw puzzle fashion and thinner the flooring, lesser the security it provides to the ones who are working out.

Please ensure that the security of your clients or yourself if you are setting up a private gym at your place is of topmost concern and there should be no cutting of corners when it comes to working out zones. If you are searching for a place to purchase gym floor mats in Singapore, look for a trusted brand or probably figure out options online. Online portals offer the opportunity to select from a variety of mats which is any day better than picking up what is available at the store.

What You Need To Know About Your Resistance Band Workout

Resistance bands are such a sidelined workout equipment that most people don’t about them or how effectively they can be used to achieve a toned body. In fact, resistance bands can be the only equipment you need for a complete fitness regime – in the comfort of your home. In order to lift some fog from this wonderful thing and bust some myths, here is what you need to know about your resistance band workout.

Resistance bands work – here is how

Most of us believe that muscles become stronger by training them with heavy weights and sandbags – and this is a myth. The fact is that muscles are designed to work against any kind of resistance. This resistance can come from anything, for example, water while you swim, or the ground when you walk. This resistance is what trains the muscles. Elastic bands are designed with varying levels of elasticity to provide the muscles with different resistances, which is what trains them.

Achieve your fitness targets with resistance bands

Contrary to common belief, resistance bands are ideal for losing weight and getting your body toned. Weight loss is achieved when there is reduction in the fat stored in the body. Since resistance bands can be effectively used to train muscles, burning fat using this equipment is not a problem at all. Fat burning causes the body to automatically start coming back into shape. Since these two things are what worries most of the population these days.

If you are dreaming of getting stronger for yourself and toning up your body, nothing can work better than a resistance band.

Things You Need To Know About Treadmills Before You Choose One

After making up your mind to incorporate an effective workout session into your everyday routine, buying and using a treadmill will be the most sensible idea. When used properly the treadmill offers you a great cardio and endurance training. But with limited knowledge on the technical aspects of a treadmill and the wide variety of choices available, you are likely to end up with the wrong choice. Thus, mentioned below are the things you need to know about treadmills before you choose one.

Most dealers out there would preach that the greater the horsepower the better it is, which is completely a myth. A 2 HP treadmill will serve the best and is sufficient for any need may it be walking, jogging or running. Anything more than this would burn a hole in your pocket and anything less than this would be prone to frequent repairs.

Another important factor to be considered is the motor torque which should be directly proportional to your body weight. Both the speed and the width of the belt are mainly dependent on the need of the user. If the treadmill is used for a long run or jogging then it is advisable to choose a speed ranging from 0 to 12 mph and a belt of 18 to 22 inches wide whereas for walking, a speed of 0 to 6 mph and a belt of 50 to 54 inches would suffice.

A normal standard treadmill would offer 40% shock absorption, this combined with a good pair of shoes will definitely keep your joints and feet from injury. But if you are suffering from weak joints then it is better to opt for a costlier choice of padded decks to provide that extra cushioning.

A treadmill is undoubtedly a long term investment, so make sure that your dealer offers you a guarantee that it will work properly for a period not less than a year. Thus be aware of your needs and narrow down your choices accordingly.

Tips on Using Fitness Ball Exercises to Get Fit At Home

Fitness is such an important part of any kind of exercise…or is supposed to be. These days, people have less and less time to attend gyms or to take care of their fitness. If that is the case with you as well, there is good news. You can still stay fit in the comfort of your home. How? By using a fitness ball! Here are some tips on using fitness ball exercises to get fit at home.

b to do squats. Hold the fitness ball with both your hands, back straight, standing up. Start to bend your knees while keeping the back straight and arms outstretched. Hold position for a few seconds, then return.

You can use your fitness ball to do wall squats. Stand up against a wall with the fitness ball placed between the wall and your lower back. Slowly, start to bend your knees till they form a 90° angle, and the ball reaches your shoulder blades. Hold this position for a few seconds, then return.

You can use your fitness ball to do balance push ups. Start by lying face-down on the fitness ball on your stomach, with hands and feet touching the ground. Start walking your hands forward till your shins reach the fitness ball. While keeping your hands aligned with your shoulders, perform flat push ups for as long as you can. Then return slowly.

You can use your fitness ball to do a V-sit. Start by lying down on a yoga mat with you’re the heels of both your feet up on the ball. With your arms outstretched and pointing towards your feet, roll your torso up so that your body forms a V with your legs at your hips.

All these exercises help to maintain overall fitness when done with a fitness ball. Get one today!

What You Need To Know About Your Resistance Band Workout

Resistance bands are such a sidelined workout equipment that most people don’t know about them or how effectively they can be used to achieve a toned body. In fact, resistance bands can be the only equipment you need for a complete fitness regime – in the comfort of your home. In order to lift some fog from this wonderful thing and bust some myths, here is what you need to know about your resistance band workout.

Resistance bands work – here is how

Most of us believe that muscles become stronger by training them with heavy weights and sandbags – and this is a myth. The fact is that muscles are designed to work against any kind of resistance. This resistance can come from anything, for example, water while you swim, or the ground when you walk. This resistance is what trains the muscles. Elastic bands are designed with varying levels of elasticity to provide the muscles with different resistances, which is what trains them.

Achieve your fitness targets with resistance bands

Contrary to common belief, resistance bands are ideal for losing weight and getting your body toned. Weight loss is achieved when there is reduction in the fat stored in the body. Since resistance bands can be effectively used to train muscles, burning fat using this equipment is not a problem at all. Fat burning causes the body to automatically start coming back into shape. Since these two things are what worry most of the population these days.

If you are dreaming of getting stronger for yourself and toning up your body, nothing can work better than a resistance band.

Things You Need To Know About Treadmills Before You Choose One

After making up your mind to incorporate an effective workout session into your everyday routine, buying and using a treadmill will be the most sensible idea. When used properly, the treadmill offers you a great cardio and endurance training. But with limited knowledge on the technical aspects of a treadmill and the wide variety of choices available, you are likely to end up with the wrong choice. Thus, mentioned below are the things you need to know about treadmills before you choose one.

Most dealers out there would preach that the greater the horsepower the better it is, which is completely a myth. A 2 HP treadmill will serve the best and is sufficient for any need may it be walking, jogging or running. Anything more than this would burn a hole in your pocket and anything less than this would be prone to frequent repairs.

Another important factor to be considered is the motor torque which should be directly proportional to your body weight. Both the speed and the width of the belt are mainly dependent on the need of the user. If the treadmill is used for a long run or jogging, then it is advisable to choose a speed ranging from 0 to 12 mph and a belt of 18 to 22 inches wide whereas for walking, a speed of 0 to 6 mph and a belt of 50 to 54 inches would suffice.

A normal standard treadmill would offer 40% shock absorption, this combined with a good pair of shoes will definitely keep your joints and feet from injury. But if you are suffering from weak joints then it is better to opt for a costlier choice of padded decks to provide that extra cushioning. 

A treadmill is undoubtedly a long term investment, so make sure that your dealer offers you a guarantee that it will work properly for a period not less than a year. Thus be aware of your needs and narrow down your choices accordingly.

What to Look for a Perfect Yoga Mat In Singapore

Yoga is a discipline that can be practiced anywhere. May it be your house, beach, park or at a yoga class itself. And the only additional thing that you would require apart from yourself is a good yoga mat that suits your practice. Yes, yoga mats are an essential accessory in yoga as we all know it helps in providing a proper grip and balance during the various poses. However the core reason of using a yoga mat is to prevent the draining of energy and body charges released during the asanas to the ground. With the plenty of options available in the market, choosing the best mat that suits your need is a hard task. Thus to make your work simpler, here are some suggestions on what to look for a perfect yoga mat in Singapore.

The characteristics of an ideal yoga mat may vary from person to person based on their needs, budget, body type and the like. One of the key factors that affect the performance is the thickness of the mat which is inversely proportional to your body fat. The standard thickness of a yoga mat is 1/8 inches which would be idle to give you a good grip in the standing poses and also to protect your joints if you are a healthy person with the right amount of body fat to cushion you. The type of yoga that you practice is also a dominating factor that determines the choice of your mat.

PVC mats are the most common and widely used yoga mats because it yields good grip, required thickness, durability, easy maintenance and are budget friendly. But if you are health conscious and an environment lover, it is better to opt for pure rubber, cotton or jute mats as they are eco-friendly while PVC’s are non-degradable making it a non-eco-friendly option. However, the cotton and jute mats don’t provide the durability, thickness and grip that the PVC mats offer.

Therefore you can narrow down the choices based on your needs, budget and priorities and pick the yoga mat that best suits you. This would, in turn, help you to reap maximum benefits from your practices for a better body and mind.