Adam Khan asked:


g Equipment  Buyer’s Guide

When starting a boxing or fitness-boxing regime, it is important that you use the appropriate equipment to ensure your safety and give you the most effective boxing workout.

Boxing Gloves

Generally, there are two types of gloves that boxers and fitness boxers use are boxing gloves and bag gloves.

Boxing gloves are typically used for sparring. However, many people choose to wear boxing gloves to add additional weight to their aerobic or kickboxing workout programs. Boxing gloves range from 10-20 oz, and the weight of the boxing glove will determine the intensity of your workout.

For professional and amateur bouts, boxers tend to use 10 oz gloves. However, they prefer to train with heavier gloves to increase arm strength.

Boxing gloves may be constructed of many different materials. The outer cover may be made of top-grain leather (the highest quality) or similar synthetic leather materials (generally less expensive). Most gloves are lined with cotton material and hand stuffed with shock-absorbing foam and/or wool blends.

Most boxing gloves have a thumb-lock feature that prevents accidental gouging of an opponent’s eye. Boxing gloves have varying wrist closures. They may be laced, laceless with elastic and/or Velcro or any combination of these. For workouts, athletes prefer the elastic and Velcro gloves, which allow them to easily take the gloves on and off.

Bag Gloves

Bag gloves may be used to train on heavy bags and speed bags. Bag gloves tend to have less padding than boxing gloves and are usually less expensive. Bag gloves are designed to withstand the repeated pounding on heavy bags and speed bags and are usually constructed of top-grain leather. They may also be made of cowhide, horsehide or synthetic materials (horsehide tends to be more durable, but may be heavier). Padded palm grips and metal palm grips provide better fit and comfort.

Heavy Bags

When selecting a heavy bag, there are many variables that need to be considered?

Do you want a hanging bag or a freestanding bag?

Hanging bags may mount to the wall or ceiling or to a bag stand.

Standing bags, on the other hand, stand alone. Their bases may be filled with sand or water.

What sort of filling is best?

Heavy bags may have a thick synthetic foam filler for shock absorbency, while others are filled with shredded rags and sand. These bags have a more solid feel and provide a lot of resistance.

Still other manufacturers offer heavy bags that may be filled with water. Water-filled bags are much easier on your hands and wrists, in fact your whole body, than a traditional bag because the water helps to absorb the impact of your punch, however, it still provides a great workout. An added bonus is that because the bag is shipped unfilled, it is much less expensive to send.

Should you get an unfilled bag? If so, what should you fill it with?

An unfilled bag is a good alternative, especially for international customers, who do not want to pay the high cost of shipping a pre-filled bag. The bag is filled with bits of rag or other soft material and small bags of sand for added weight. Pre-filled bags are hydraulically stuffed, so you will not be able to achieve this if you fill the bag by hand. However, we have not had an unfilled bag returned. We recommend talking to your local fabric shop to see if they have anything you can use for filler.

What size bag should you get?

Heavy bags range from 25 pounds to 200+ pounds. You want to have a bag that is sufficiently heavy to not move around too much while you are pummeling it. For the average person, a bag in the range of 70-100 pounds should be heavy enough. Most gyms, fitness centers and health clubs prefer 100-150 pound bags to accommodate extensive use. Visit  www.argos-sports.co.uk  for quality boxing bags.

What type of outer covering should you choose?

The covering really depends on your budget and expected use. A leather bag will last longer than either a synthetic or canvas bag, but is more than twice the price. For the home user or commercial club that is unsure how much use the bag will get, we suggest a synthetic bag. We recommend a synthetic covering over a canvas one because the synthetic bag is much easier to clean and resists mildew. For professional, military or heavy commercial use we suggest a professional leather bags. If your budget can afford it, you may want to opt for the professional bags which are the most durable.

Free Standing Bags

Free standing boxing punch bags offer nearly all the advantages of a ceiling hung bag. Free standing punch bags are built to last, and just require either water or sand in the base to keep them firmly in place. Free standing bags are good visible target pratice, a boxer can see oponent part being targeted and hit.

Speed Bags

Speed bags are pear-shaped bags that hang from a solid platform.

Speed bags are great for developing coordination. So what kind should you get?

The size of the speed bag determines how fast it will be. Smaller speed bags require more coordination and skill.

If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a larger bag until you learn the rhythm. We recommend a middle-sized bag for beginners. When starting out, don’t fill the bag all the way (the bag is slower with less air). Practice for a while and as your skill increases, add more air to the bag to speed it up.

Intermediates and experts will probably want a smaller bag. The smaller the bag, the faster it rebounds-the harder it is to hit.

Double-End striking bags are round and secured to both the floor and ceiling. DE striking bags may be used for punching and kicking, bobbing and weaving.

Speed Bags and Striking Bags are usually made of durable high quality leather.



Gloria

David Urmann asked:


Fitness is a growing concern for one and all. And beyond doubt, all of us certainly know the importance of keeping fit, and a good fitness center helps us do just that.

Out of the several ways to keep yourself fit, a well-equipped fitness center can be your best bet to keep up with the pace of today’s stressful life. That is why, most of us are more interested in joining a gym or such center to take care of our exercising regime.

There are several reasons why it is suitable for most of us. First of all, a well-equipped center offers the best exercising equipments that are precisely meant for keeping your body fit. Apart from that, there is always a possibility of looking back to the fitness trainer, which most of the centers have, to form the schedule and guidance on the best way to exercise.

Other than this, it offers several other facilities for healthy living which include state-of-the-art equipment, swimming pools, basketball courts and daycare centers. All this factors make it your best ally in maintaining the fitness levels and move toward a healthier future.

With the growing concern for exercise and fitness, there are a large number of such centers in the United States. These vary greatly in size and the facilities they provide. This makes the process of selecting one even more difficult. While considering one you have to be aware of a lots of factors that can help you to make the proper choice. We present you with some important advice on choosing the best center around you.

First of all, look for the one that has different exercise opportunities available at one place. Consider facilities such as swimming, aerobics, racquetball, and biking workouts. Apart from that also look for quality exercising equipments. Also compare the facilities and membership fee with other centers around you. This will help you get a better picture of what you will get for your money.

Personal training is an important factor to consider in the selection process. If a personal trainer is available, also check if you are charged additional for it or are there introductory sessions included in your initial payment of the membership fee. Also check for future session charges.

If your center offers discounts on upfront payments of the yearly membership fee, then it an option worth considering. Otherwise you can always look forward to monthly payment options. Some of the fitness centers also charge a processing fee on your membership renewal so just read between the lines so that you don’t have to pay extra for the same facilities.

Take a walk to inspect the fitness center yourself. Check for cleanliness as it is going to have a major impact on your sessions in the center. Inspecting the center gives you first hand information and will make you a decision about the whole thing.



Louis

Bob Shanty asked:


Exercise bikes are one of the most popular home fitness machines on the market. These bikes give you an effective workout and promote a healthy lifestyle. You will have fun, enhance your fitness routine and burn calories with exercise bikes. They are also referred to as stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or studio cycles. They work your legs, lungs and heart while limiting the impact on your knees and leg joints. Exercise bikes are available in several different designs. Due to the cost involved, you will most likely purchase only one exercise bike for several years to come so read the following buying guide and make an informed decision.

What are the factors to keep in mind when buying an exercise bike?

Smart shopping is required when buying home fitness equipment because it is normally a long-term investment. Check whether the bike offers a comfortable seat and a well-balanced flywheel. Also make sure that you can vary your workouts with adjustable resistance options. The exercise bike should have a sturdy frame and a wide range of seat heights. Finally, check whether the bike comes with a good warranty and free repair services.

What are the different kinds of exercise bikes available?

There are three different types of stationary exercise bikes: upright bikes, recumbent bikes and dual action bikes.

Upright Bikes:

Upright exercise bikes are similar to traditional bicycles. These bikes have tiny saddles where you sit with your back unsupported and pedal. Upright bikes occupy very little space. They give you a good lower body and cardiovascular workout. You can even stand up and pedal with an upright bike.

Recumbent Bikes:

Recumbent bikes have a laid-back seating style. The chair-like or bucket seat allows you to lean back for a more comfortable ride. This seating arrangement is good for people with back problems, as it provides lower back support. The pedals are located toward the front of the bike, making the seated position similar to the one that you adopt while driving. These bikes work your hamstrings and gluteals. They also promote efficient blood flow throughout the body. Some recumbent bikes have a recline feature that allows you to adjust the angle of your seat accordingly. They are ideal for overweight persons. If you are not a bike enthusiast, recumbent bikes should be your choice.

Dual Action Bikes:

Dual action or elliptical bikes have movable bars as arm handles. You can increase the overall aerobic intensity of your workout by moving your arms and legs at the same time. Dual action bikes are ideal for those looking to tone both their upper and lower body.

What kind of resistance do you need?

Exercise bikes use friction-based, electro-magnetic or air-resistance mechanisms. The kind of resistance you can choose depends on your budget. Bikes with friction-based resistance, like a caliper or fabric brand brake, are low-priced, but they offer only limited programming. Bikes with air resistance use a fan to produce resistance. The fan also provides a cooling effect. These bikes last longer, as they are free from friction which causes wear and tear. Air resistance bikes are very rare. However, the Schwinn Airdyne is the most popular model of this kind.

Bikes that use electro-magnetic resistance are smoother. These models are usually more expensive, but they provide quieter operation. You can benefit from their pre-set programs and heart rate monitors as well. Try to select a bike with automatic resistance settings, as it will be safer to use.

Do bikes require power to operate?

Most bikes are self-driven and do not need mains power to operate. You can use an exercise bike for about six hours a day. These models last longest if only one or two persons use the same machine. If more than two people use the same bike, it is advisable to purchase a model that requires mains power to drive them.

How much space do these bikes occupy?

Exercise bikes are usually small and occupy minimal space. You can opt for fold-away bikes that can be stored in racks when not in use.

Do you want to monitor your workout?

Most exercise bikes provide information on speed, distance traveled and length of your workout. Do you want to know the total calories you burnt, the program mode or the resistance level? Some advanced models give you all this information along with your pulse and heart rate. Pre-programmed workouts and information storage are offered by sophisticated exercise bikes only.



Tim