Elliptical Trainer-Great Upper And Lower Body Workout!

 Sole E 95 Elliptical Trainer
$2500 Category

Have you been thinking about getting into shape at home but not sure what exercise machine is best for you? With so many options in home exercise equipment, the solution is not so cut and dry. Some points to consider before making a choice are your current physical condition and what you are looking to achieve in an exercise fitness machine. It is important to do your research first before you end up with an expensive coat rack.

Assuming that you are in good general health with no back or knee problems and have a healthy heart, an elliptical trainer would be an excellent piece of home exercise equipment. Treadmills and exercise bikes offer wonderful cardiovascular workouts and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise.  Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering a great upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and is a low-impact exercise machine that won’t strain sensitive joints. An elliptical trainer can take up less space than other exercise machines such as treadmills or exercise bikes. Elliptical trainers may not be suited for everyone. For those who have restrictions such as back or neck issues, I suggest reading my article on recumbent bikes.

 ProForm 10.0 ZE Solid
 Choice Under $1000.00

 Sole E 35 Best Buy
Under $1500.00

Exercise bikes and treadmills are great for lower body workouts and increasing your heart rate but elliptical trainers can provide great cardio workouts while at the same time tone your upper and lower body. To get the best workout on an elliptical machine with handles, set the resistance high so you have to use your arms as well as your legs. Ellipticals are designed to be forgiving on your joints by going through natural motions. Adjustable strides helps you target different muscles. You can choose programs specifically geared towards burning calories for weight loss or manually adjust resistance levels for a controlled work out. Many models offer iPod compatibility and sound systems to make your workout more enjoyable and keep you motivated.

To help you track your workout progress, many elliptical trainers include a read out window display with or without a back light. The console may display your workout graphically while monitoring your speed, time, distance, calories burned, or pulse. Depending on the model, some have more or better features than others. If you intend to do workouts on a regular basis and increase intensity as you improve, then you might want to get a higher end model. For a great upper and lower body workout that is in tune with the natural movements of your joints, I recommend the Elliptical trainer. For more information on Cardio Machines check out Amazon’s Exercise And Fitness Deals.

Treadmill Doctor’s best fitness buys are as follows.

The Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model) is the most popular on the market and best buy for the money. It is the Best Buy Winner for 2011 in the $1999 price category.

The Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model) is the 1st runner up in the 2011 Best Buy for the $1299 price category. If you have a problem with your machine, Sole is the company to buy from. Their customer service is the best in the industry.

More details about the Sole E35 Elliptical by CoolFamilyRdviews in video below

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2011 Model)

The ProForm 10.0 ZE Elliptical Trainer is a solid choice in the under $1000 price category.

The Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer has a good feel and is a great entry level trainer at an affordable price around $800.

Treadmill Doctor best buys acquired from Amazon.com

Cycling For Runners?

Cross-training With Cycling

Cycling is one of the best ways to build overall fitness including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength in your glut-es, quads and hamstrings and flexibility through your hips and ankles. The fitter you are overall, the stronger and faster you’ll be able to run!

There are many specific benefits to cross-training:

1. Injury prevention: If you’re new to running, cross-training with cycling can help you establish a base of fitness and get your muscles and joints used to repetitive motion without the impact. As you begin to mix in more running mileage, you’ll be stronger and better able to handle the impact. This decreases the chance of injury and makes running much more fun! The same goes for seasoned runners. Cycling builds and helps maintain strength in the glut es, quads and hamstrings, minimizing muscular imbalances that lead to injury.

2. Rehabilitation: If you are nursing an injury, cycling is a great way to maintain fitness and potentially correct the injury. You can utilize an exercise bike such as the Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike if on-road cycling is too much strain on your joints.

3. Improving overall fitness: Almost every runner can benefit from cross-training because it enhances efficiency, increases strength and decreases overall training time without increasing risk of injury.

4. Avoid getting bored: No matter how much passion you have for running, if you do it often enough, the excessive repetition of routes and routines can become boring. Psychologically, the monotony of a relentless training program in a single sport can be draining. Cycling can help you maintain your enthusiasm for running, making it possible to train harder and more consistently. Ultimately, this can help you perform better in races.

5. Rejuvenation: No runner can train hard the entire year. That’s the way nature made us. To perform your best (and avoid injury), you should give your body and mind a break from formal training for at least a few months each year. Cycling is a great way to stay fit between running events.

Incorporate Cycling into your training routine:

Orange County Chopper And Schwinn-Is This Cool!

The popular TV show Orange County Chopper out of New York has been watched all over the  world since 1999. I remember watching Paul senior and his two sons get in each others faces while reaching a deadline for a chopper they were building. I loved it and so did the rest of the cycling world. Nothing like watching the average or not so average dysfunctional family in action.

Click photo to view
OCC Choppers on eBay.

Well, in case you didn’t already know, Schwinn got in on their popularity and came up with an OCC Chopper Bike of their own. It was very popular when it first came out in 2004, but has since been discontinued by Schwinn. I have a red one with red fenders, saddle seat and a wide rear tire. It was kind of awkward to ride and became less popular after the first year. I got it off of eBay for about $200.00. Now I think you can get it for around $100.00. I’m going to keep it a while and see what happens. Who knows? Maybe it will be a collector someday.

Schwinn also has an electric OCC chopper bike for about $460.00 on Amazon. Just as well, it is a cool looking bike and I’m sure it has a place in the world of the Schwinn Enthusiast….

See the Schwinn S2938 250 watt Electric Stingray Bike on Amazon.

Exercise Your Brain

Sharpen Your Intellect

We all know that regular daily exercise is a great way to take care of ourselves. We may choose to utilize exercise equipment, such as a Treadmill, Recumbent Bike or maybe the Total Gym. We could go for a walk, jog or ride a bike. Our reward is a healthier, stronger, more physically fit body. And that is a great accomplishment! Just like our body, our brain needs to exercise also.

I have had little lapses in memory from time to time and I think it would be safe to say you have also. Things like not remembering a familiar PIN for your bank account that you always use, forgetting someone’s name or missing an appointment, just to name a few. Most of the time it’s due to a lot going on in your brain. You have so much on your mind that you’re stressed out. Or maybe you didn’t concentrate enough on what it was you were supposed to remember.

Research shows that brainpower can increase with mental activities in seniors. Aging does not mean automatically losing mental capacity. The National Institute of Aging has conducted a series of tests that prove most dramatic memory loss occurs around age 70, if it occurs at all. Even though memory may fade with time, thinking ability remains strong. Vocabulary and reasoning skills often improve with age.

We’ve all heard the phrase,“use it or lose it.” Well, no matter what your age, exercising your brain may make the difference between using it or losing it. Our brain needs exercise. You can help yourself or your senior family members or friends who seem to be losing memory by encouraging to exercise regular brain activity.

 Get The Rubik's Cube.

Activities such as doing crossword puzzles, playing word games, cards or (solving the Rubik’s Cube) strengthens the synapses between brain cells in memory transmission areas. Physical exercise can also increase mental abilities 20 to 30  percent according to recent studies. Journal writing and working with your hands to build or create something can help as well.

Seniors who sense memory loss occurring can use mental helps such as calendars, calculators, list making, and group discussions. And relax already. Worrying about what you’re going to forget will only cause more of a mental block.

Unicycle Club or Circus-Which Is It?

Schwinn 20″ Unicycle

 Click For More Details On
This 20" Schwinn Unicycle

Improve your balance while enjoying a whole new exercise experience on a unicycle. Schwinn has been manufacturing their unicycles for about four decades. If you would like to venture into the unique art of unicycling, the Schwinn 20 Inch Commuting / Touring Unicycle would be the smart choice.

Based on the original design and updated with current technology, it features a 3 piece cantilever design for superior strength. It is very attractive with chrome forks and a 20 x 1.75 in white wall, classic brick tread design tire with steel wheel. The Schwinn 20 Inch Commuting / Touring Unicycle is just right for 9 year old to adults.

Schwinn Unicycles On eBay

The safest way to learn unicycling would be to join a Unicycle Club. There are Unicycle Clubs all across the country and throughout much of the world. Do a Google search on Unicycle Club to find a club near you. So if your up for the challenge and want to try something extraordinary, unicycling is definitely in the running.

Leagal Disclaimer: If you do try unicycling, keep in mind that injuries can happen and that we recommend wearing all of the necessary safety gear which includes, but is not limited to, a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and shin guards. Unicycling is a fun and challenging skill that maybe should be left to clowns and other professionals. It is not recommend that everyone try unicycling. It is a very difficult and dangerous skill that should not be tried by everyone.

Getting Started On Your Unicycle

How To Go Forward

Recumbent Bike-Smart Choice

Schwinn Recumbent Bikes offer a great workout for exercisers of all levels, from a complete beginner to an athlete!

Schwinn 240 Recumbent Bike

The term recumbent literally means “lying down.” Exercising in a recumbent or reclining position allows the user to have full biotechnological back support without causing strain on the arms, neck and shoulders, all of which are some common effects of using an upright bicycle. For many people, having convenient access to quality exercise equipment is a critical factor in sticking with a long-term exercise program.

The Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike is top of the line for 2009!

The  Schwinn 240 Recumbent Exercise Bike replaces the top selling Schwinn 231 model. Schwinn has completely restyled their line this year with a hot new color scheme – Silver and Black with Flame Red accents. The Schwinn 240 features a walk-through design for ease in getting on and off the bike. A comfort padded seat adjusts to 10 different positions allowing a great fit for users of any size.

The new black back-lit LCD console monitor displays time, interval time, RPM, watts, distance, pulse, speed, calories, resistance level and course profile. With 16 levels of resistance, it lets you customize the intensity of your workout. And with 18 programs, you’ll have workout entertainment for years to come! The handiest feature, however, is unquestionably the anatomically designed recumbent seat, which not only offers dual-position lumbar support for added comfort, but also a micro-adjustable (before and after) seat slider that accommodates a variety of body types and sizes. Other details include six preset programs (calorie goal, BMI measurement, recovery test, results mode, quick start, and manual mode), ten profile courses, and transport wheels that both protect your floors and make the bike easy to store.

Are You Considering Clipless Pedals?

The Shimano American Corporation has been providing quality bicycle parts since 1961.

About Shimano

With the popularity of the 20-inch wheeled bikes and the high rise handlebars (mostly Schwinn), there was a great demand for multi-speed hubs. Shimano was producing an affordable and reliable version that caught the attention of the industry. Since then, Shimano has been producing quality drivetrain parts for bicycles including these clipless pedals. The rest is Shimano history.

Why Clipless Pedals

Shimano has been making clipless pedals since 1990. Clipless pedals have a cleat acceptor and are used with   Shoes that have cleats affixed. Their main benefit is that they keep your foot in the best position for power to the pedal, meaning more of the pressure from your legs is going straight to propelling the bike.

One advantage of clipless pedals is that you can pull up when you pedal and can manage your cadence (the rate at which you pedal), more efficiently. By pulling back straight in the bottom of your pedal stroke (like you are scraping something off the bottom of your shoe), you can keep your cadence smoother and more efficient. Clipless pedals (like well-adjusted toe clips) allow you to do this without pulling your foot off the pedal.

Shimano M324 Clipless Pedals, Combo Platform and SPD

There are many choices of clipless pedals but I particularly like the  Shimano Combo Platform. The benefit of the Shimano Combo Platform is you can ride on the flat side when in heavy people/vehicle traffic, then clip into the pedals for a powerful open ride. The Shimano M324 Clipless Pedals are not as light as the cheaper pedals of this type, however, the SPD attachment is top quality and wont break. The outer area of the pedal is very strong steel. The pedal’s alloy core is colored exactly like the LX group which has the strongest materials. These pedals have the same theme as a trekking/touring bike. These pedals work perfectly all the time and are designed to last at least as long as a bike or two.

Accessing the platform side is a bit easier. Instead of flipping it or “scuffing” with your toe, you can just pedal “around” and set your foot right down on it when it’s up. This is a bit faster than typical, so it’s possibly less distracting in city traffic. Also, the SPD attachment is quite strong, so if you happen to mash down with a sneaker, there won’t be any damage to the pedal. This may be the only “combo pedal” that you’re able to flip while going up a steep hill.

As for the weight (1.5 pounds each), this might be the one SPD pedal that makes your knees feel better instead of worse. The somewhat extra weight adds a beneficial flywheel effect to the pedals which can make it easier to spin a faster cadence. That’s quite good for training yourself to do well. It also matches up with the intent of the trekking/touring group in facilitating an easier lasting approach to a long distance ride.

Shop Amazon’s selection of clipless pedals for a wide range of pedal choices. Be sure when considering clipless pedals that you match them with compatible cycling shoes.

Shop Amazon’s selection of Shimano Cycling Shoes.

For more clipless options read my post about Bike or Cycling Shoes.

Training for a Triathlon

As we enter into a new decade, some of you Schwinn enthusiast may have decided to achieve a new advanced level of endurance and participate in a triathlon. A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances. Triathletes compete for the fastest overall course completion time, including timed transitions between the individual swim, bike, and run components.

According to the International Triathlon Union and the USA Triathlon, the main international race distances are Sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run), Intermediate distance, commonly referred to as Olympic distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km ride, 10 km run), Long Course (1.9 km swim, 90 km ride, 21.1 km run), such as the Half Ironman, and Ultra Distance (3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, and a marathon: 42.2 km run); the most popular branded Ultra Distance is the Ironman triathlon.

The Schwinn Katana Road Bike is reccommended for entrance level competition.

Find Schwinn Katana Road Bike on eBay

 Transition Area

Transition areas are positioned both between the swim and bike segments (T1), and between the bike and run segments (T2), and are often just one checkpoint, especially in shorter courses. These areas are used to store bicycles, performance apparel, and any other accessories essential for preparing and  preparing for the next stage of the race. The transition times (T1 and T2) are included in the overall time of the race. So speed during transition( removal of the wetsuit, putting on the helmet, putting on the running shoes) is essential. Elite triathletes have the bicycle shoes mounted on the bikes before the race and place their feet into them when riding. In large races, transition areas may be up to a kilometer long, and store over 2000 bicycles. In addition, these areas provide a social headquarters prior to the race, and are an integral part of the triathlon culture.

The demanding nature of this sport focuses primarily on persistent and often periodized training in each of the three events, as well as combination workouts and general strength conditioning to ensure the highest levels of endurance and power possible on race day. Proficiency in swimming, cycling, and running alone is often not sufficient enough for success in the triathlon.

As many prepare to swim, cycle and run in a triathlon, there are a few things to keep in mind while getting in shape. As with any physical activity, preparing for a triathlon is a process. Before starting a vigorous endurance program you should have a base level of fitness and consult your doctor or physical trainer prior to beginning a training program. Most triathletes will begin a  training program for approximately 16 weeks to prepare for an Olympic distance triathlon.

How About Those Muscle Bikes?

 Krates  Fastbacks  Classics

Are you a Schwinn Sting-ray Enthusiast? I know I am. Whether it be a Krate Bike, Fastback or Classic Stingray, the little boy inside of me is always fascinated with the ever popular, never-ending legend of the Schwinn muscle bikes of the 60’s and 70’s. I don’t really understand it, but once you experience a Sting-Ray, you just can’t get enough. With the 20 inch wheels, banana seat, high rise handle bars and the super strong light weight frame they are so easy and fun to maneuver. They were built strong with superior quality and craftsmanship to be durable and last. They have no doubt How About Thosestood the test of time.

How To Identify A Vintage Schwinn Sting-Ray

Find the serial number on the Schwinn. From 1960-69, Chicago Schwinn’s had their serial numbers on the right rear axle mount. From 1970-79 the Chicago Schwinn’s had their serial numbers on the lower end of the head tube. Here’s a link to assist in finding a serial number on a vintage Schwinn. Schwinn Serial Numbers And Date Codes

Where To Find Vintage Schwinn Sting-Rays

With hundreds of thousands made, many vintage stingrays are still being found at yard sales, estate sales, eBay and grand-dad’s basement. Sadly, some vintage Schwinns’s are found in dumpsters and junk-yards and lucky to be rescued. What kind of overbearing monster would treat an innocent sting-ray like that? That is why enthusiast like you and I have to be on the look-out for these situations. Your next exciting save is right around the corner. Good luck with your Sting-ray collecting adventure.

In the meantime, enjoy the classic sting-ray pictures I have put together. I especially like the 1971 Manta-ray.   

These are classic stingray pictures from the 60’s,70’s,80’s and 90’s. Some of these are my own collection and others(that I’d like to have in my collection),I found while wondering around in cyber-space.

The  “Ram’s Horn” Fastback Sting-ray  was introduced in 1967.

What Can A Hybrid Bike Benefit Me?

Hybrid Bikes

Some of you may be considering a hybrid bike and would like to know some of the benefits a hybrid offers. Hybrid bikes are becoming more popular on the road and trail and are an alternative to the typical road and mountain bikes that you may be use to. A hybrid bike is one that blends the best characteristics of both road and mountain bikes into a bike that is sturdy, comfortable, fast, and ideal not only for riding on the road, but also the trail.

 Schwinn Hybrid
Best Seller

Features of a hybrid that come from mountain bikes are a more upright frame, offering a more comfortable riding position, a stouter frame that can handle more weight, as well as absorb the day-in and day-out shock of bumps, potholes, etc. that you might encounter in a commute and it has slightly wider tires for better traction and stability.

Features that come from road bikes are lighter rims for faster riding, lighter components and taller gearing for going faster.

The wheels on a hybrid bike are a true combination of what you find on road and mountain bikes. Wider, like a mountain bike for greater stability and durability, but able to sustain higher air pressure that puts them in the same level as a road bike when it comes to inflation level. The higher air pressure allows them to go faster by reducing rolling resistance.

The rims and spokes on hybrids are lighter too like a road bike, since the assumption is that you won’t be doing the rougher off-road riding that mountain biking entails.

Most hybrid bike frames are made of lightweight aluminum or steel (also called “cro-moly”), due to the strength and durability the material offers and their (relatively) low price.

The handlebars on a hybrid are typically flat like a mountain bike, and go straight out from the stem. With a wider grip, usually about shoulder width, these handlebars allow riders to sit upright and offer a better position for vision and control of the bike than the handlebars on a road bike.

Like a mountain bike, a hybrid’s design allows riders to sit upright in a position that gives them the best control of the bike with well placed center of gravity. This posture also reduces strain on the rider’s neck and back.

Hybrids have a wide range of gearing to allow the rider to both climb hills and go fast on flat ground and downhills. Not usually equipped with gears in as low a range as mountain bikes, the hybrid’s gearing setup is more similar to road bikes.

Typically a hybrid bike will have either two or three chain rings in the front as part of the crank assembly, again along the lines of what you’d find on a road bike. In the back you’ll find eight or nine gears in the cassette on the rear wheel, a combination that allows for anywhere from 16 to 27 possible gear combinations, which will account for virtually every need a hybrid rider will have in town or on the bike path.

Basic hybrid bikes come equipped with platform pedals. This is useful if you’re the type of rider who frequently puts your feet down. Other more advanced riders may prefer to use toe clips or even  Clipless Pedals that allow the rider to secure his or her cleated shoes to the pedals. But people have different levels of comfort when it comes to being fully attached to the bike given the frequent stops you might encounter while riding in traffic.

Accessories for a hybrid bike include a cyclo-computer, frame pump, tool bag, water bottle and cage. This is  useually all you need to be self-sufficient when riding in town.

A hybrid is a good choice for those who commute in-town and also hit the trails. Also, if you’re going to be using a hybrid bike for commuting to work or school, check out some additional accessories such as lights, racks, and locks that can come as built-in features with many models.

Popular Schwinn Hybrids on Amazon

Schwinn Midmoor Men’s Hybrid Bike (700c Wheels)