Posted by Teresa Ibanez
on 12/01/2010
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you're looking for some lightweight, fixed dumbbells, these should work just fine. The neoprene handles make them comfortable to grip- as opposed to those that are bare metal (some of those metal ones with "hatch marks" on the grip are downright painful). Also, these dumbbells won't be falling apart anytime soon. The worst that will happen to them over the long run, is that the covering will start to wear down- however you'll still be able to use them for your exercises despite that. In other words, a pair of these are going to last you awhile. One tip though, when they do start to wear down, most of the time its on an edge. Therefore, always placing them on a soft a surface as possible will be easier on the neoprene and make the covering last longer. Metal dumbbell racks can take their toll that way.
The only downside to buying dumbbells such as these is that the weight is set. In other words, for any given exercise, you'll only be able to get "5 pounds strong". For example, if you can lift a 5-pound dumbbell 10 times, and you continue to lift it 10 times, week after week, you'll never get any stronger. That's because the human body is efficient, and your muscles say, "If I can already lift 5-pounds, and that's all they ever want me to lift, then I don't have any reason to get bigger or stronger so I'm going to stay just the way I am."
Therefore, if you can use a 5-pound dumbbell quite easily with your exercises, and you want to get stronger, you're going to have to add a pound or two. And then, you're going to have to go out and buy another dumbbell, say a 6 or 7 pound one, in order to progress and get stronger. And that was my point- fixed dumbbells are set, so a disadvantage is that if you want to continue to get stronger you'll have to go out and buy more dumbbells. Tip: if you think you're going to need more weight in the furture, look into buying a pair of ADJUSTABLE dumbbells instead. Just a thought.
All-in-all a good product, and I highly recommend them if you're in the market for a pair of fixed dumbbells, especially good if you're doing rehab exercises, like for your rotator cuff. People with tendonitis might also be interested in Treat Your Own Tennis Elbow.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Valeo Neoprene Hand Weights
Product Description:
Neoprene coated hand weights come complete with 2 weights and an exercise wall chart.The neoprene coating provides a comfortable non-slip grip.Weights help improve muscle tone and core strength and they enhance all aerobic exercise and fitness training.
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Posted by Teresa Ibanez
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought the Select-Tech 552 dumbell set w/stand, so I needed a bench to go with it. I saw this was the 'matching' bench and had good reviews, so I went with it without much shopping around. I think I paid $150 with no tax or shipping. As I did not shop around, I don't know if this is a good 'value' compared to other brands.
As far as the bench itself, it is very sturdy. No wobbling while you are using it - this is a big plus. It also looks very nice and obviously matches my other equipment.
The adjustment options are nice to have, but to me they are mostly unnecessary. I only use it in the flat position and one incline position. I can't imagine what one would do with all the other positions, but maybe someone who is more sophisticated in their work out could utilize them.
The leg attachment, again, is very sturdy. I didn't buy it for sit-ups, nor would I recommend this to someone who wanted it solely for sit-ups, but if you want a bench primarily for lifting that gives you a sit-up option, this will work just fine.
As to the negatives... This was mentioned by another reviewer, but there is a opening in the bench where it folds up. It is really in a bad place (atleast for me, I am 6' 3") - right on the small of the back. It is uncomfortable and seems like it could cause injury. I am able to get around it by scooting my rear as close to the end of the bench before I lay back. Still, it seems like this could have been designed better.
The assembly was simple and consists primarily of using washers and bolts. On mine, on the bottom end, the welds were in the way of one of the holes I needed to put a bolt/washer through. The washer would not sit flat and it was very difficult to get this one tight.
Another complaint would be that the wheels are useless the way they are positioned - you will just end up dragging it from one place to another. And the bench does not fold up for storage, so it may not be the most compact bench to tuck away when not in use.
Overall, I would recommend the bench and I would buy it again, but it is far from perfect. If you shop around you may be able to find a better option for your individual needs. Hopefully my insight helps with your purchase decision!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 5.1
Product Description:
Get more out of your workout using Bowflex SelectTech free-weights with the 5.1 Series adjustable bench. It adjusts to six different positions--with 17-degree decline to 90-degree incline--for positioning support when you're exercising and for maximum workout versatility. Just adjust the bench to one of six positions and you can add a variety of new and powerful exercises. It's the perfect way to transform your space into a personal fitness center.
This bench is also great for correcting posture and stabilizing your positioning for a safe, muscle-building free-weight workout. It's built-strong to last with heavy-duty commercial quality steel and durable upholstery. It comes standard with a removable leg hold-down brace for added decline position support. It wheels away for easy storage and measures 26 by 20 by 56 inches (W x H x L). Assembly is required.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 56" L x 26" W x 20" H (142.25 L x 66 W x 51 H cm)
Adjusts to six different positions
17° decline to 90° incline
Constructed of heavy-duty commercial quality steel
Corrects posture and stabilizes positioning for a safe, muscle-building free weight workout
Can be used with more than 30 exercises
Comes standard with a removable leg hold-down brace for added decline position support
Wheels away for easy storage
About Utility Benches Despite the competition from trendy new fitness inventions, free-weight lifting continues to be a popular option for home strength training. Free weights offer a special benefit in strength training because they promote quicker strength gains. Free weights also work a larger number of muscles than resistance machines, which tend to focus on isolated muscles.
Specially-designed adjustable pads, grips, and bars help limit and guide movements to minimize the possibility of muscle or joint damage. Plus, from a single utility bench, a vast number of exercises can be performed. Whether it is focusing on the abdomen, arms, chest, or any other muscle group, a utility bench can help you maximize your strength training goals while minimizing your risk of personal injury.
Manufacturer's Warranty 30-year warranty on frame, one-year warranty on upholstery
Get 40% OFF
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Posted by Teresa Ibanez
on 11/29/2010
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I agree with the other review...this works GREAT! My upper arms have become more and more flabby over the years, and within just a few weeks, I see a shocking improvement. I also do the 6 minute workout daily (because of the positive results, I am very motivated to keep doing it), and mostly while watching tv, since it's an easy routine to remember. I also take it on vacation with me, since it doesn't take up that much room. I've seen the absurd comments about it being suggestive, but honestly, don't most excercises look silly when you're doing them? This works great, and I was convince to buy it because the main site offers to not only return the purchase and shipping price, but pay for return shipping if you wanted to return it.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Shake Weight Dumbbell
Product Description:
Shape and tone your entire upper body in just six minutes per day with the Shake Weight dumbbell. Designed specifically for women, the Shake Weight dumbbell is based on a completely new workout technology called Dynamic Inertia, which ignites the muscles in your arm, shoulders, and chest. As you hold the Shake Weight, it pulsates back and forth, challenging your muscles while you hold it steady. Scientific studies indicate that the Shake Weight increases your upper body muscle activity by more than 300 percent compared with traditional weights. It's the fast, easy, effective way to work out your upper body. Plus, it fits easily inside a suitcase or shoulder bag, so you can bring it along to the hotel, the office, or anywhere else you need a quick workout. The Shake Weight comes with an upper body toning DVD.
Get 27% OFF
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Posted by Teresa Ibanez
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Ok, here's the truth as I have no agenda to either endorse or kill this product: I allowed myself to get a bit out of shape and as I have finally turned the corner and making marked improvements in my diet and physique, I noticed that my upper arms were flabby, and I allowed them to become weak. I was skeptical of this product, but I decided to give it a try. When I did the first 6 minute workout, I managed to breeze through it, and I foolishly believed I was in better shape than I thought. The next day however proved me wrong, as I found the repetition of the routine actually became harder. I also discovered that I did indeed have a weak arm which could not match the other. I felt the burn and fatique after the 6 minute exercise program each time I did it. But then, by week three, I found myself doing the 6 minute program 2 or 3 times a day, and though I was still not breezing through it as I did on day 1, I was managing to complete the entire program. I also was doing some added reps on my weak arm and I have managed to balance the two.
Now, after a month I am not going to say that I was suddenly ripped, of course not, but I did notice something. At a moment when I was simply soaping my upper arms, I discoverd that they were more "solid" and "tight" than they were a few short weeks prior. Let's face it, you know your own body, so when you discover a change, without even consciously looking for one, you become a bit startled. Well, I was, and realized that there was some definite toning to my arms. I am also moving the shake weight harder than I was thus increasing my strength, and trying new routines.
So, having the product now for about two months, I continue my three 6 minute a day routine and am feeling much better doing it. I have found that it is a great motivator and one of the few weight regimens that is not boring. After all, if you cannot spare at least 6 minutes of your day doing this program, then what do you want to do?
Highly Recommended...........
Click Here to see more reviews about: Shake Weight for Men Dumbbell
Product Description:
Revolutionary new way to shape and tone your arms, shoulders and chest in just 6 minutes a day.
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Posted by Teresa Ibanez
on 11/21/2010
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Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)These are decent weights - carry case arrived damaged, it was replaced for us - the weights themselves are solid and easy to handle.
Caveat: a 40 pound set is not much weight - I figured it would be plenty for me as I'm just getting into this, but actually my wife's outgrown them as well.
Thing is, the bar weighs 5 pounds, you get 15 pounds of assorted weight for each of the two bars, total 40 pounds, this allows you to set up from 5 to 20 pound dual dumbbells or a single up to 35 pounds - not quite enough to get there from here.
Plan on adding a few more 5 pounder or 10 pounders to it, is all - they are available separately so no big deal. I've set these bars up with 65 pounds of weights with no problem using 10 pounders.
The bars are good quality and have rubber washers to lock the weights in place.
For some exercises the 14 inch bars get in the way compared to simple hex dumbbells, and it does take a while to change weights between moves, but it's tolerable, especially compared to blowing $500 on adjustable weights with plastic adjustment tabs, no less.
For the price, keep a couple sets around - you get more versatility in weight, and you get the ability to set up 2 sets for yourself at a time - allowing quicker workouts at the weight of your choosing without investing in a zillion separate dumbbells.
Would definitely do again.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Cap Barbell 40-Pound Dumbbell Set
Product Description:
This 40 lb dumbbell set is convenient and great for both beginners and the advanced fitness enthusiast.The different plate weights come in a plastic case and dumbbells can be adjusted according to weight preference.
Get 54% OFF
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