www.youtube.com A freerunning clip video… 1. Basic Crunch- 2.Twist Up 3.Push Through- 4.Left side Crunch- 5. Right side Crunch- 6. Up and Twist- 7. Leg Raises- 8. Leg Tucks- 9. 90 Degree Ankle Touch- 10. Right Crossover Crunch- 11. Left Crossover Crunch- 12. Kick Ups- 13. Head Raises- 14. Scissors- 15. Left crossover twist- 16. Right crossover twist- 17. Head leg crunch- 18. Alternating Shoulder Lifts- 19. Hoover- 20- 180 Degree Ankle Touches- 21- Side bends- 22- Alternate Leg Tucks- 23- Alternating Push Throughs- www.myspace.com

New ways to exercise are always being invented, there is a particularly new and exciting way of exercising that has become very popular – balance balls. some reasons for the explosion in popularity of this type of exercise are that it is very portable, it is low impact (therefore it is particularly quiet), it can be carried out in a very small area and it doesn't cost much.

One of the most popular exercise balls folks are using at the moment is the Swiss ball. It is an inflatable ball that is usually a around 65 or 75 cm diameter. Quite a lot of folks just replace their work chair with a Swiss ball. when you are sitting on a Swiss ball, it feels quite natural to make small rocking movements rather than just sitting still which works the core and also provides a small amount of exercise even while just sitting around.

But when it is used in the course of normal exercise the Swiss ball is an amazingly versatile piece of exercise equipment. Most of the exercises using the Swiss ball primarily work the core but all of these exercises work the secondary muscles at the same time and it's also possible to emulate the same kind of exercises that you can do on home gym machines.

One day while I was working at the gym, a gym instructor showed me how to do press ups by putting my feet on top of the ball. While doing this, the feet attempt continually to roll off the top of the ball, therefore as well as the usual benefits of doing press ups, you are also continually working the core which is trying to stop the feet from rolling off the sides of the ball.

Most of the Swiss ball exercises are based on the same principle – a part of the body is elevated on the top of the Swiss ball and this part of the body is encouraged by gravity to dismount from the top of the ball. This may sound quite basic and you might assume that there are only a handful of exercises that can be done in this way. But you simply have to do a quick search on youtube for the phrase Swiss ball exercise and very soon you will normally notice that there are absolutely hundreds of exercises that you can do with your Swiss ball.

In fact, once you have tried attempting these exercises and trying new ones you will normally most likely start inventing your own original ones before long. Returning to the press up with the feet resting on the Swiss ball, once you attempt this you will normally probably notice not only that it works on the core, but it also adds a new angle to the upper body toil that you do. As you will probably discover while doing press ups the whole of your upper body eventually starts to shake and quiver due to the extra forces transferred from the feet all of the way down the body to the arms. This is one of the many reasons why using the Swiss ball for exercise is so effective.

As mentioned, there are literally hundreds of floor exercises that can be carried out using the Swiss ball. But if we jump ahead to the more advanced levels one of the most difficult but most advantageous ways to use the Swiss ball is to do exercises while standing on it. This is not recommended for beginners as it can be very perilous. Once one is ready to try these more difficult exercises, you should first learn how to kneel on the Swiss ball. Once this has been mastered, one can then advance to standing on top of it.

Again, by searching youtube you will normally locate some great demonstrations of exercises that you can do while standing on a Swiss ball. When searching, you will find that they have a variety of names such as Swiss balls, balance balls and exercise balls. The most important thing to consider while attempting to learn the skill is that when the ball throws you off the landing can be very painful, therefore safety mats should be used to start out at all times. Obviously, the natural tendency is for the legs to slide off the side of the ball which is the same as your feet going from under you – such as when slipping on ice. Please consider this as the main reason for exercising in the first place is to improve your health, not to damage it.

Once you have conquered standing on a Swiss ball, you will be a Swiss ball master and will have amazingly strong core and legs and an incredible ability to balance.

If you embark upon your hunt for fitness equipment by looking at the many variations on Body Solid home gyms, you may figure out that you won’t feel compelled to go anywhere else. On top of this company’s complete range of commercial fitness equipment, Body Solid makes an incredible range of home gyms, from free-weight accessories to functional training machines suitable for professional athletes or physical therapists. The advantage you will discover is standard among the Body Solid home gyms is their exclusive In-Home Lifetime Warranty that really does cover “…everything. Forever. Period.” Body Solid EXM-1500S Single Stack Home Gym.

The Classic series of Body Solid home gyms is a good point to begin looking. “Classic” in this case doesn’t just denote “entry level”, although one of those is offered, but this series of gyms covers options that vary from a $300 bungee-powered tone-up machine to an everything-on-board gym structure for a bit more than $7000. The feature that makes these gyms as “classic” is that they offer numerous features although each one is particularly straightforward and easy to understand. If your strength building needs are straightforward and you function best with a standard program, the Classic collection of Body Solid home gyms should meet your needs.

The Body Solid home gyms which comprise the G-series are regarded mid-range home gyms which happen to be economical and dependable. This series contains 9 individual models which extend in size from closet-sized to three-car-garage sized, and range in expense from $1200 to $3500. The more comprehensive G-Series gyms are suitable for bodybuilding , yet the less expensive ones can easily assist with basic strength training activities. The G-series models are ideal for practiced home gym owners who are seeking the mid-point between usefulness and affordability.

Body Solid’s Fusion gym systems have been made for hard-core fitness enthusiasts who insist on flexibility in addition to performance in any new Body Solid home gyms. Fusion gyms are produced in three models which were made to be fashionable as well as extremely functional, and have been manufactured with the best quality materials. The Fusion gym’s level of adaptability is illustrated in the series names; they are named the Fusion Personal Trainers because of their ability to tailor your workout. Body Solid EXM-1500S Single Stack Home Gym.

Throughout the previous decade, Body Solid’s functional trainers and crossover stations have offered the most rewarding workout regimens to be had concerning both efficiency and affordability. This series of Body Solid home gyms caters to consumers who wish to define their own workout regimens and are in the market for a machine which will not limit their options. Body Solild’s interchangeable cable pulls and limitless spectrum of adjustments provided by this collection of home gyms enable the user to intensify his strength training regimen every 24 hours, if needed. Whether your priority is core stability or a sport-specific conditioning regimen, these Body Solid home gyms can provide you with the challenges you prefer and the body you need.

Body Solid home gyms have been designed to work with any budget and any objective, so the odds of locating the appropriate home gym for your purposes are likely. The engineering and functionality of these pieces of equipment is naturally attractive, but including the most comprehensive guarantee in the market could very well be a successful selling point. Body Solid EXM-1500S Single Stack Home Gym.

It is essential to remain fit with the help of regular exercising. Nevertheless, due to various limitations, we are unable to visit a gym and follow a regular fitness regime. Under such a circumstance, it is a good idea to put up a small gymnasium in your own house. This way you will be able to exercise anytime without the need to worry about external limitations. It is quite simple to put up a small gym in your home. With a multipurpose home exercise equipment or a collection of more than one home fitness equipment, you will be able create your home gym.

There are various types of equipments that you can avail of in the market. Hence, when you venture out to purchase equipments for your home gym you may land up feeling perplexed and disoriented. In order to avoid this you need to devote some time in planning. Chalk out your workout regime and identify your needs. Designate an area in your home that you will convert into the gym and find out the size of the area. Do not forget to decide your budget prior to planning your purchase for your gym.

If you are faced with a low budget plan, invest in combo equipments. These offer a variety of exercising options combined in one equipment. It is not necessary to purchase separate pieces of equipment. The multi-utility equipments are compact, thereby utilizing only a small area in your home. Nevertheless, you may have to compromise on the facilities offered for each workout type.

If budget is not a factor for you, you can have more elaborate plans for your gym. You may change the furnishing of the room you will dedicate for your gym to show a sporty theme. Consider colors that help you to soothe your nerves and focus. Wood flooring are good for exercising on. Large mirrors can add to the feel of a gymnasium and help you maintain correct postures while exercising. A good sound system provides the required musical accompaniment when you are exercising.

Equipments utilized for warming up are the fun parts. They usually comprise of accessories like jumping ropes, steppers, gym balls, punching bags, etc. These are not mandatory equipments and hence, can be added to your setup if and when, you want.

Steppers, treadmills, skiing tools, bikes, etc. are all equipments that are utlized for cardiovascular workouts. Through the correct use of these equipments, the user is able to burn a lot of calories. Nevertheless, the type of cardiovascular exerciser will be based on the age, strength and tenacity of the user.

It is a good idea to incorporate vibration equipments into the gyms. These require less efforts on the part of the user while providing effective toning and calorie reduction. There are various types of vibrating platforms available and the user can choose based on his or her convenience.

As already mentioned, there are a wide variety of gym equipments one may choose from when one sets up a small gym in ones home. From small things like weight training accessories such as barbells, dumbbells, free weights and weight belts, to exercise monitors and scalable workout equipments, the market has it all.
 

Ab machines are hot pieces of exercise equipment. With nearly everyone who is interested in their appearance is on the quest for a flat abdomen. This makes the market for ab workout machine equipment wide open for products. But, just what is the best ab workout machine, not the most popular but the best in terms of results.

The following machines have shown definite results and should be considered when looking into abdominal fitness equipment.

Swiss Balls

The first one on the list isn’t actually a machine; it is a stability ball, now known as a Swiss ball. Not only are they much less expensive than bulky machines, they also provide an excellent workout for the core muscles.

Using the Swiss ball when doing crunches, leg lifts, back arches and a host of other exercises increases the body’s strength, endurance and overall fitness. The abdominal muscles receive a workout and calories are burned in the process.

Click Here for an amazing six pack abs guide

Ab workout machines targeted for home use are typically designed to eliminate strain on the neck and back while the user is doing crunches. Some of the best rated machines, as reviewed by fitness experts, are described below. However, it still needs to be reiterated that nothing replaces a combination of diet and exercise, although these machines can be very helpful.

Ab Works by Nordic Track

One of the most highly recommended ab workout machines is Ab Works by Nordic Track. This machine is more costly than some of the other models but out ranks the other models in terms of results.

Ab Works offers variable resistance for increasing the workout according to fitness level. It also has leg resistance and full back support. It comes with a video and booklet containing 15 exercises and works for all skill levels.

Assembly is simple and the machine comes with excellent instructions for putting it together. The only down side noted is the price, however, some things are worth paying a little more for than others.

This machine requires some conditioning and learning to perfect the exercises. On the other hand, it is the most comfortable of the home ab machines and offers the best back support.

BodyShaping Ab Blaster Plus

Another ab workout machine that is recommended by the fitness reviewers is the BodyShaping Ab Blaster Plus.  This machine comes from the BodyShaping fitness program that airs on ESPN. The machine is easy to assemble and can be folded for storage when not in use. It comes with a video but no booklet. The headrest rotates for support regardless of movement, overall comfort is rated good.

The reviewers gave the Ab Blaster Plus a recommended rating with the only noted downside being that the feet of the machine are slippery, a minor detail overcome by placing traction pads beneath the foot stands.

These reviews clearly show that the Swiss ball is the best abdominal exercise machine for the home. It is inexpensive, works a range of muscles and provides excellent abdominal results. Of course, no matter what ab workout machine is picked for the home none of them will yield results unless they are put to use and you follow an overall health and fitness routine.

Click Here for an amazing six pack abs guide

With the abdomen area being a key target for fitness and fitness equipment the most remarkable machines for abdominal fitness are the abdominal bench and other machines that target the abdominal muscles.

In addition to helping get you in the best physical shape possible, they are also engineered to limit back injury and other injuries that can occur from exercising. These pieces of equipment are perfect for individuals who want to get in shape and tone their abs at the same time.

The variety of the abdominal bench and other abdominal workout equipment is immense, with sports shops around the world offering many different types and fitness centers employing several types as well for members to use. It is totally up to the individual use to decide which one is best for their needs. Read the rest of this entry

The core can be exercised using the Swiss ball very effectively.  The core is the stabilizing force for the body; it supports the body and needs proper exercise for strength and endurance. There are many exercises that can be used to strengthen the core, but this simple and effective 15 minute core ball exercise workout performed 3-4 times a week will work wonders.

Note: Before starting any exercise program consult a professional and be sure to warm up before you begin.

Core Ball Exercise Workout #1 : Swiss Ball Roll Out

The Swiss ball roll out is an excellent exercise for developing torso strength and pelvic control without putting the spine in a position that could cause pain or injury. To start out with the elbows bent and forearms resting on the ball. Roll the body out and extend both your arms and legs while keeping the spine aligned. Only roll out as far as you can without losing the alignment of the spine. Read the rest of this entry

An abdominal crunch machine is a piece of exercise equipment designed to help uses perform crunches, one of the most efficient exercises for toning the abdominals. Abdominal crunch machines are available in home versions as wells as commercial versions used in gyms and fitness centers.

Abdominal crunch machines in gyms and fitness centers are typically designed so that the user sits on a seat with their feet secured behind ankle rollers. The machine has handles that the user holds onto to as they use their abdominal muscles to pull their body into the crunch. The key is to make the abdominal muscles do the work, not the arms and legs. Read the rest of this entry