Ultra Cool Gadgets

The active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports now spreads to your whole body thanks to Wii Fit and the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board, which comes bundled with it. Used together players will experience an extensive array of fun, dynamic and surprisingly challenging activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and balance oriented games. The focus of these activities is towards providing a “core” workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions, but it’s the fun approach to fitness of Wii Fit that will keep players hooked on fitness for years to come.
Similar in appearance to a step aerobics board, the Wii Balance Board is much, much more. Easily capable of supporting weights up to a maximum of 300 pounds, it is sturdy and precise, able to measure weight and register pressure accurately when placed on a variety of flat surfaces. This advanced level of sensitivity allows for both the wide range of activities found in the Wii Fit software as well as the board’s amazing ability recognize individual players by their weight alone.

Product Features:
- Wii Fit comes with the Wii Balance Board and requires a Wii console to play. Wii console sold separately.
- Wii Fit combines fitness with fun and is designed for everyone, young and old. Wii - Fit players work towards personal fitness goals and they block soccer balls, swivel hips to power hoop twirls, and go big on ski jumps to get themselves there.
- Check your daily progress, set goals, check your Wii Fit Age, and even enter exercise time you’ve done outside of Wii Fit.
- Wii Fit Age is measured by factoring the user’s BMI reading, testing the user’s center of gravity and conducting quick balance tests.
- Training is at the core of Wii Fit. You can spend as much (or as little) time as you want trying out all of the 40+ activities Wii Fit offers.

Customer feedback:

1. I own the Wii Fit since last week. I’m 32, 1.76m, ~82-84kg (fluctuates) and with my wedding coming up in a few months I wanted to lose some weight. I work all day and have little time in the evenings so the preparation and driving to and from the gym was too much. I wanted to use that 30-40 min to exercise, not prepare for exercise. I own a Wii since Xmas and decided to try this out after reading various reviews on the internet. Is this as good as going to the gym? No it does not replicate a gym. Will it get the job done? Will it keep you fit and help you lose weight? YES YES YES! I love it and highly recommend it. I get a great work out in 45 min. I feel great about myself, and have already lost a kilo. (note I have not changed my diet). Notice I get my work out in as much time as it takes to commute and prepare for gym. I also have more fun than going to the gym on my own. Perhaps going to a gym with a friend would be more fun. Depends. Anyway I love the Wii Fit! Note it takes a few times to get used to it and figure out how best to use it. Why? Well there is no prepared program for you. You have to decide on your own what you want to do and in what sequence. I start off by doing the aerobics (jogging, holla hoop) and then vary. Basically, the Wii Fit breaks its exercises into Muscle, Balance, Aerobics, and Yoga. I mainly doing the Aerobics and mix in some muscle and yoga. The muscle and yoga can be really tough. You wouldn’t believe how much. You can really feel the muscles working. I do the balance exercises when I’m tired and want to relax a bit in between exercises.

2. I was impressed when we bought a Wii for our daughter last Christmas. Now I’m thrilled. Finally, a video “game” that seems tailor made for me! I’ve only had my copy of Wii Fit for a few days now, but already I can tell that if any piece of home equipment is ever going to help me get back in shape, this is it. Setting it up is hardly tougher than slipping in a DVD, and, unlike the Total Gym I once had, it makes you feel young just using it.
The first thing you do is weigh yourself by standing on the included wireless “Balance Board.” After that, everything seems more like a game than a workout, but after 30 minutes with this thing I was sweating just as much as I do at the gym. There are four types of exercises: aerobics, balance, strength training, and yoga. Lasting from a minute to 10 minutes each, specific virtual activities include boxing, hula-hooping, jogging, push-ups, some very fun snowboarding action and this funky tilting game where you push balls into virtual holes.
Back to that balance board. You’ll hate what it tells you about yourself, but love that it told you. Besides your weight, you learn your Wii Fit Age, a figure that combines your weight, body mass index and sense of balance. As you exercise, the program tracks your progress, or lack of it.

The Elliptical machine Provides a total body (legs, hips, buttocks, arms & shoulders), low-impact, cardiovascular workout for all family members, regardless of ability level. This unit resembles a walking or jogging machine. Your feet move in a natural elliptical motion, providing a no-impact workout for less stress on the joints. As you walk, your hands grasp poles that move in conjunction with your leg motion. This results in a smooth, fluid movement that tones arms, chest, back, hips, legs, and glutei. Better than a treadmill! Burns 5 times more calories than walking. Adjustable resistance dial. Dimensions: Length-34″, Width-24″, Height-60″. Highest quality construction that will last for years that is comparable with any of the major manufacturers at a fraction of their cost. Instruction manual and all necessary tools for easy home assembly are included. Full factory warranty. Weight: 60 lbs. Compare similar machines at $249 and up!

Product Features

* Adjustable Resistance
* Handlebars also lock in place when you want a “free running” workout
* Strides forward and reverse
* Lightweight, compact and wheels away for easy storage

Customer feedback:

1. I bought it reluctantly because it was only $89.00 then I got $10 off so 79, but paid 44 shippping, total was 124.00. We put it together in about a half an hour. At first it felt like I was leaning forward too much on the down stroke so we put a 30 inch two by four under the front part of the frame. Cheap fix, excellent motion, I love it. Computer actually works the way I would have designed it myself. Glad I bought it, encourage anyone not wanting to spend a fortune on one to get this one.

2. I’ve had this product one week and am quite happy with it. In fact I am buying a second one for to setup in my real home (I work away from home for 3 weeks/mn).

Forget the gym. Now you can enjoy a full cardio workout in the comfort of your home or office with this compact elliptical trainer from Stamina Products. Unlike full-size ellipticals, this trainer doesn’t have arms or a front console. Instead, the trainer is essentially foot pedals only, with a chassis that’s small enough to store under a desk or in a closet. Despite the small size, the trainer still packs a workout wallop, letting you burn a similar number of calories as jogging but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. Just keep your feet moving on the pedals–which continually oscillate in a low-impact manner–and you’re set. Other details include sturdy steel construction, non-slip pedals, and an electronic fitness monitor that tracks the number of strides per minute, total number of strides, exercise time, and calories burned.

Product Features

* Compact, lightweight elliptical trainer for the home or office
* Foot-pedal-only chassis fits handily under a desk or in a closet
* Low-impact design protects back, knees, hips, and ankles
* Electronic monitor tracks strides, exercise time, and calories
* Sturdy steel construction; non-slip pedals

Customer feedback:

1. I had mixed feelings about purchasing this because of its size and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get a good cardio on it. Boy was I wrong. When I workout on this my heart rate ranges from 145-160 which is exactly where I want it to be. It’s very sturdy but does take a little getting used to as far as balancing on it but you can get a great workout from it. The strides are much smaller than what you find in a gym but that’s expected. I think it’s a very effective piece of equipment for the price.

2. Works you just as hard as the normal ellipticals, good cost.
Putting the back floor rest on was a bit hard, I was never able to get the screws completely tightened with the equipment provided. It does take some time to become balanced on it, so I suggest being near a wall.

Cory Everson is a six time Ms. Olympia body building champ and fitness expert. The bilateral balance stepper is great for cardio, strength training and fat burning exercise. The large self-leveling anti-slip pedals move up and down (shaping buttocks, quads and hamstrings) and side to side (toning inner and outer thighs). Strong and sturdy metal base for quiet smooth operation. 6-function computer measures time, calories burned, strides per minute and total strides. Complete with detachable cords with handles, owners manual, floor mat and Fitness Guide with workout and weight loss tips, exercise guide and workout chart.

Product Features

* Great for cardio, strength training and fat-burning exercise
* Large, self-leveling, anti-slip pedals move up & down and side-to-side
* Up & down motion shapes buttocks, quads & hamstrings; side-to-side motion tones inner and outer thighs
* Strong, sturdy metal base for quiet, smooth operation

Customer feedback:

I have only used it once, but it seems great. I felt like I got a really decent workout and I am a marthon runner. This is a different kind of motion for me so I’m sure that made it harder, but it’s sufficient even if you’re in decent shape. It seems very study. It is quiet and compact. I will definitely update my review if it breaks anytime soon or anything like that. Also, Thank you Amazon! This product shipped extremely fast. It was here two days after I ordered it. And I did a pretty extensive search and couldn’t find a better price (item+shipping) for the same or a similar stepper.

With the pull of a pin, this lightweight stepper folds for storage in a closet or under a bed and can be rolled around on built-in rollers. It features a battery-operated electronic monitor displaying steps-per-minute, total steps, workout time, and calories burned. Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion. Wide, textured pedals keep feet secure. Foam-covered handlebars offer comfortable gripping. Rubber floor protectors safeguard a workout area and prevent skidding. Assembled, the 45-pound stepper is 30-1/4 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 54-1/2 inches high. Folded, it is 38-1/2 inches long x 16-1/4 inches wide x 9-1/2 inches high. The stepper assembles in less than 10 minutes (instructions included). The sturdy steel frame carries a one-year warranty against defects, with parts warranted against defects for 90 days.

Product Features

* Independent design stepping action
* Two adjustable-resistance hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion
* Foam covered handlebars for comfortable gripping
* Multi function monitor tracks number of steps per minute, number of steps during the workout, workout time and calories burned
* Folds for storage

Customer feedback:

1. This machine is well-designed, easy to assemble, easily stored, inexpensive and effective. I started working out a lot more when I got it. Unfortunately, you always get what you pay for. After a few months, it started making funny noises and lost the smoothness of its action. What do you want for a hundred bucks? Given the alternatives - a big, bulky really expensive machine, or a really cheap pair of foot pedals - this is a winner. I am seriously considering just continuing to buy one every so often.

2. I LOVE this stepper. I did have to get my husband to put it together, but it didn’t take long. I wanted something that would give me a good cardio workout in 30 minutes.

The only dumbbell system that can expand to meet your strength needs, PowerBlock dumbbells are the most versatile and effective exercise tool ever developed for strength training. PowerBlocks work intuitively. Rather than requiring you to buy a room full of dumbbells, PowerBlocks act just like a weight stack at the gym, with a weight handle that fits inside the first weight, which fits inside the second, which fits inside the third, etc. When you want to change weights, you simply move the weight selector pin into the appropriate slot and you’re set. As you lift the core, all the weights above the selector pin are lifted at the same time, turning your 3-pound dumbbell into a 6-pound dumbbell, or your 6-pound dumbbell into a 12-pound dumbbell. Not only is the system remarkably easy to use, but it’s also cost- and space-efficient, as a single pair of dumbbells can do the work of dozens.
This pair of 45×5 dumbbells, for instance, adjusts from 5 to 45 pounds in 5-pound increments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 pounds), in effect doing the job of 18 individual weights. Even better, the weights are more compact and balanced than traditional dumbbells, with a padded handle that protects people with weak wrists. Best of all, the free weights are terrific whether you’re trying to build muscle mass, firm and tone your physique, or get rid of unwanted body fat.

Product Features

* Pair of adjustable dumbbell weights for efficient, cost-effective strength training
* Adjusts from 5 to 45 pounds in 5-pound increments (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 pounds)
* Selector pin lets you change weights easily, just like with weight stack at the gym
* More compact and balanced than traditional dumbbells; padded handle for wrist protection
* Offers maximum weight of 45 pounds per hand;

Customer feedback:

1. I bought these dumbbells from a local dealer instead of Amazon because of a sale. I had been looking at the Bowflex select-type of dumbbells as well as these. After trying them out at the store, I was sold. They are easy to manipulate and sturdy in construction. One would think that a square dumbbell would get in the way of doing exercises–this is NOT the case. The handle is in the middle of the box and the side tubes are padded for comfort.
I just finished an hour long dumbbell workout a few minutes ago and it was everything I expected: bench press, military press, bent over rows, seated curls, triceps extensions, dumbbell deadlifts, upright rows, dumbbell squats, etc… All of these exercises were performed using this product. No problems encountered at all.

2. I like that there is a back up system of an elastic cord and magnets holding the pin mechanism in place. I have found there is only a real danger on certain exercises and only if you don’t follow the instructions. Even then the odds are small anything will happen, but it’s something I want to warn people about because I have had some near misses.
I find the smaller version of these are better than the larger version. The large version can be cumbersome and a bit long for some exercises. However, I agree with the other reviews you can comfortably do a variety of exercises and the trade-off in terms of a slightly smaller range of motion on some particular exercises isn’t a big deal. For example, for upright rows I tend to prefer a short curling bar… ditto for overhead triceps extentions. However, using one dumbbell with two hands is possible and quite comfortable.

Incorporate the versatility and effectiveness of the Max-Fitness exercise balls into your workout. Core strength training is the only way to exercise. You can take your exercise balls with you wherever you go or exercise at the conveinence of your home. Whether you are new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, this ball will enhance your workout giving you results. Ideal for stretching, strengthening and toning exercises. First used by physical therapists over 30 years ago, Exercise Balls are now used in leading health clubs around the nation and are quickly becoming a standard item for any home gym. The Max Fitness Exercise Ball is safe, durable, and easy-to-use. The ball is made of burst resistant heavy gauge PVC vinyl and is rated to withstand up to 500lbs pressure. The 65 cm exercise ball is ideal for a person 5′6″ to 5′11″.

Product Features

* Increase stability and flexibility
* Ideal for Core strength training
* Get started in exercise today!
* Safe, durable, and easy-to-use
* Ideal for stretching, toning, or resistance exercises.

Customer feedback:

1. I train people for a living and have sent all of my clients to this seller for their exercise balls. Being one that works with different sized people on a daily basis on the Max Fitness balls, I can tell you that they provide a great product and they are very fast to get it to my clients. I own one myself. Thanks for the great product and service.

2. So many children and even adults bounce on my ball whenever they come over and happen to see it! That’s not what it’s supposed to be used for but it just shows how sturdy it is. My friend who is probably about 250 lbs didn’t even pop it.

The SPRI Traveling Trainer is a portable exerice program for the entire body developed by Michael Sena. Now you have no excuse to miss a workout, wherever you roam. It includes three Xertubes, which are color-coded rubber cords featuring comfortable grips at the ends, each with a different level of resistance. This Advanced kit comes with green (light), red (medium), and blue (heavy) Xertubes. Xertubes are made with SPRI’s exclusive Tuff Tube material, which is designed to stand up to the rigors of professional use. It comes with a durable, lightweight black nylon bag with zippered enclosure, an interior mesh pocket, hand strap, and loops for attaching to a belt. It also features a 26-minute exercise VHS video and Michael Sena’s personal training workout programsn and dining guide packed with nutrition tips for the traveler.

Product Features

* Never miss a workout with travelling resistance training kit
* Includes three SPRI Xertubes–light, medium, and heavy resistance
* Perfect for an active fitness enthusiast who travels frequently
* Includes exercise video, training workout program, and diner’s guide.
* Durable, lightweight black nylon travel bag

Featuring a battery-operated monitor displaying steps-per-minute, total steps, workout time, and calories burned, this portable stepping machine provides a cardiovascular workout while also offering elastic bands for toning back, arms, shoulders, and torso during a workout. The machine is small enough to easily store at home or in the office and light enough to transport between the two sites. It measures 16-1/4 inches x 12-1/8 inches x 12-1/4 inches and weighs 20 pounds. Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion. Wide, textured steps keep feet secure. The elastic toning bands can be removed and provide medium resistance. Rubber floor protectors safeguard a workout area and prevent skidding. Made of steel, the frame carries a five-year warranty against defects, with parts warranted against defects for 90 days.

Key Features:

* Compact design lets you work out anywhere and stores away in small spaces
* Two hydraulic cylinders provide a smooth stepping motion
* Battery-operated electronic monitor tracks the number of steps per minute, number of steps during the workout, workout time, and calories burned
* Sturdy steel construction
* Wide, textured steps keep your feet secure during your workout
* Skid resistant rubber floor protectors also prevent skidding
* Assembled size: 16.25″(41.3cm) long x 12.125″(30.8cm) wide by 12.25″(31.1cm) tall
* Weight: 20 pounds (9.07 kg)

Customer feedback:

1. I’ve been using this stepper for about a month now and I love it. It is very portable and easy to store in my apartment and gives me a good workout. The only problem is that the wheel does squeak a little bit.

2. A bit on the heavy side at twenty pounds, but it is sturdy and the ease of movement of the pedestals assures an addictive workout.

The GoFit Ultimate ProGym is the go anywhere, train anytime home gym that comes complete with its own personal trainer on DVD. Whether you are building size and strength, or increasing muscle definition, the key to the ProGym is the ability to add or subtract resistance. You can obtain 7 levels of resistance by creating different combinations of the tube strengths. Regardless of your fitness level, the GoFit Ultimate ProGym will help you attain a healthier you!
The ProGym contains two handles, three resistance tubes, two ankle straps, one door anchor, an exercise wall chart and renowned fitness model and personal trainer Lynda Leene’s own 25 minute workout on DVD. A mesh carry bag is included for storage or travel.

Product Features

* 7 levels of resistance by creating different combinations of the tube strength
* Three resistance tubes with 5, 10, and 15 pound tension
* Two ankle straps, door anchor, two handles
* Workout DVD from personal trainer Lynda Leene
* Makes a great travel package, complete with carrying case

Customer feedback:

1. This little gym in a bag is great. It comes in a small bag and is very light. It comes with a poster or book demonstrating possible workouts and it comes with a DVD (or CD) that describes and demonstrates workout possibilities. You can play this CD as a “trainer” or view the exercises singly. The DVD has in a very good core performance, functional workout and some excellent information on nutrition. (The CD features Trainer and Fitness Model Linda Leene, and describes and demonstrates workout possibilities. You can play this CD as a “trainer” or view the exercises singly). You get the aforementioned ankle straps, handles, and a door anchor. You also get a 5, 10, and 15 pound cable. The weight range is 5 to 30 pounds in 5-pound increments by combining the cables. The handles are comfortable and the cables hook and unhook very easily.

2. I ordered this product to add more variety and challenge to my toning workouts. Fitness bands are particularly great for women, who may want to gain muscle strength without bulking up. This product comes with three fitness bands of varying resistance. I was pretty surprised how hard some of the exercises were even with the lightest resistance band–but they all felt good and gave me a challenge. I really loved the accessories the bands came with–a door strap and ankle straps. With the door strap you put it in the door frame and close the door, then loop the band through it. If you put the door strap at the top of the door or at shoulder level, there are many excellent shoulder exercises you can do. You can also put it lower in the door frame to do exercises sitting, or lying down. If you exchange the handles for the ankle straps, you can work your leg muscles, also using the door strap.