Let's Go Bike Riding

Why should you ride a bike? We've posted numerous articles here about fitness and health. There's articles about ways to better your health such as quitting smoking, diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy heart. And the article about the benefits of drinking water has really improved my health personally. We've enjoyed exploring the many ways to take care of our body, but now let's focus in on the main purpose behind the scenes of the Schwinn Bicycle Company and how we can benefit our health by venturing into the exciting world of biking.

 

Schwinn has been an icon in the bicycle industry for over 100 years. Since 1895 Schwinn bicycles have successfully become a part of the American way of life. Schwinn has been the leader in innovation and quality throughout it's existence. Generations have experienced the fun and pride of owning and riding Schwinn bicycles.

Now let's apply the benefits of bike riding to your individual regimens for a fit, healthy and joyful riding experience. Bike riding is a great cardio exercise. No matter where you are in your personal quest for a healthy body, you can benefit from bike riding. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, there is always room for improvement. And you'll be having so much fun doing it that you may forget that it's good for you. 

Just about any physical activity is a step in the right direction. First of all, it is important to be comfortable on the bike when you ride. How the bike fits plays a big part in reaping the benefits of bike riding. A proper fit will result in less strain on the back and shoulders and create an incentive to ride more often.
 

Take Care Of Those Eyes

Many health conscious persons go to great lengths to get and stay in peak condition. For instance, we'll go to the gym and work out to build muscle and lose weight. And there's swimming and aerobics classes, jogging and bike riding and how about "tennis anyone?", all of which are good ways to get and stay fit. Basically, having an active lifestyle is very important to our health. Also, what we put into our bodies is just as important.  Eat healthy foods, fruits and vegetables. Watch your calorie intake and make sure to keep salt in check. And don't forget your annual physical.

Let's face it, we may not be taking care of our eyes the way we should. When's the last time you had an eye exam? I thought so. As long as we don't notice any obvious eye problems we just go on with our lives. I know I've been guilty of that myself. Have you heard of  Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Pinguecula and Pterygium? How about Cataracts or Eye Infections or many other Common Eye Disorders?  It's a good idea to do something before it's too late.

Having regular check-ups for your eyes, especially as you age, is just plain smart. Many eye problems can be corrected with early detection. Prevent blindness and other eye disorders by seeing your eye doctor. Contact your insurance company or health plan provider to learn whether they have a list of eye care professionals that are covered under your plan. It has been commonly said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take care of those eyes.

Schwinn Vestige Wins Eurobike Gold Award

With First Ever Flax Fiber Bicycle

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Sept. 1, 2010 — The Schwinn Vestige bike has won a 2010 Eurobike Gold Award for innovative design. The Schwinn Vestige is built from natural, biodegradable flax fibers and coated with water soluble paint, a first in the bicycle industry. It is a functional urban bike that propels the cycling industry to the forefront of eco-friendly and sustainable design and production practices.

“We are honored to receive such a prestigious and highly-anticipated Eurobike Award,” said Hillary Benjamin, Global General Manager for Schwinn. “Schwinn is committed to providing fun, innovative bikes that inspire people to get out and ride. The Schwinn Vestige combines style and function, and has a low carbon footprint that any rider would be proud of.”

The Schwinn Vestige is a commuter bike with an eco-twist. Its organic, recyclable Flax fiber provides similar performance benefits as a carbon fiber frame, but its construction process produces a much lower carbon footprint. On top of that the natural flax fiber has a high phonic insulation which gives it a superior ability to absorb and dampen vibration, even compared to carbon. Product highlights include:

• Translucent tubes allow for stunning visual appeal when illuminated by the Vestigeâ?Ts internal lighting system. The frame lighting system is powered by the front hub dynamo, eliminating the need for batteries and maximizing energy efficiency.
• Fenders and grips are made of a natural bamboo material
• Tires are made by Schwalbe and include a unique recyclable rubber insert. Schwalbe is the foremost bicycle tire company in all of Western Europe. 
• 9-speed Shimano drive train, Schwinn custom designed components.

“The Vestige highlights our invested effort to produce bikes in the most sustainable ways possible,” said Morten Kristiansen, Global Senior Product Manager for Schwinn. “It is quite remarkable and exciting that we can produce a high-quality bike with such a low impact on the environment and look forward to further improving on our efforts in the years to come.”

Information obtained from www.schwinnbike.com.

Are Your Shoes Making You Miserable?

Are you having back pain? Your feet play a very important role in how you feel. Many health issues involving pain are the result of foot problems. The alignment of your feet can directly effect the rest of your body. You visit a podiatrist and many times find out that your shoes are a big part, if not all, of the problem.

Shoes can make your day or break your day. I never realized how important proper shoes are for healthy feet. Whether they're the wrong size, too old or not the right type, they can put a hurting on your feet. I learned that the hard way. After coming home from an "all day at work", my feet were in such pain I could hardly walk. In my case, I believe the shoes were too old and the wrong type. They were casual walkers which were okay for walking but not the extra stress from the lifting and stooping I did at work. I'd hung on to those shoes for years. My thinking was,"It's only work, I don't need new shoes". When the inner cushion deteriorated my feet paid the price. I was ready for the podiatrist. If you want to have healthy feet, one important thing to remember is to have the proper shoes.

When it comes to shoes for exercise, the choices are overwhelming. But the bottom-line is simple. Shoes should fit well and feel comfortable. The right shoes offer both support and flexibility where you need it. They protect your bones, joints, and muscles, keeping your feet in healthy positions and absorbing shock.

Can You Reduce Cellulite Through Exercise?

Cellulite is fat underneath the skin that becomes unstable as muscle decreases. Although it is unsightly, it is harmless. Cellulite is not caused by weight problems. Thin people can have it also. Cellulite also seems to be more common with lighter color skin.

Other factors that may contribute to cellulite are:

• Unhealthy diet
• Dehydration
• Inactivity
• Slow metabolism
• Hormone changes
• Fad diets

Women lose about half a pound of muscle per year. Many women have desk jobs and spend a large part of the day sitting and not using their muscles. As a result, most of what they lose is on their upper thighs and dairy air.

When they lose muscle in their hips and thighs, the overlaying layer of fat doesn't have much of a foundation, so it starts to get an uneven bulge like cottage cheese.

Even the fittest athletes, who regularly exercise still have ugly cellulite. Those lumpy, unattractive cottage-cheese thighs affect a large majority of women. So what can be done to decrease the awful appearance of cellulite?

There are a lot of products and treatments that claim to eliminate cellulite on thighs and buttocks. But there is not much evidence that shows that many of them are successful or for any length of time.

Through proper exercise one can help reduce the appearance of those tell-tale dimples. Cellulite is fat, so calorie-burning activities and the right nutrition can make your skin look smoother. On the other hand, weight gain adds to the unsightly appearance of cellulite. Strength training can play a major role to tone muscle and get the firm foundation back.

In Wayne Westcott's book, "No More Cellulite", Westcott recommends moves that target your hips, quads, and hamstrings, but says not to ignore your other muscles. "Since all strength exercises boost your metabolic rate, they'll decrease fat too."

Are You Getting Enough Physical Activity?

Regular physical activity – such as walking, cycling, or dancing – has significant benefits for health. For instance, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, help control weight, and promote psychological well-being. Everyone should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. More activity may be required for weight control.

Knowing the importance of physical activity and the health benefits of it, the next step is to make the necessary changes in life to obtain those positive advantages. "Oh the drudgery we must endure to care for our health" you are saying. Maybe it's not as bad as you think to make these changes. Changing how we go about our everyday task makes all the difference.

Incorporating Physical Activity Into Your Life is advantages to your health and well being. Lucky for all of us, becoming more physically active is a fairly easy. It’s just a matter of applying some simple principles into your life. In fact, you probably already are "physically active" and may not even know it. There are numerous activities that can be worked into the day that do not require going to the gym, or an aerobics class. 

At Home-It's convenient, comfortable and safe to work out at home. It allows your children to see you being active, which sets a good example for them. You can combine exercise with other activities, such as watching TV. If you buy exercise equipment, it's a one-time expense and other family members can use it. It's easy to have short bouts of activity several times a day. Try these tips:

Healthy Living For Children

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States today. One out of five children are obese and the numbers are continuing to grow. Lack of activity and an improper diet are mainly to blame for this alarming epidemic. Hereditary factors represent a small portion of the cause.

The average child spends approximately four hours a day watching TV. As computers and video games become more popular, the number of hours of inactivity increases even more. The flooding of the market with new innovative gadgets and games gives our children many excuses to stay inside. It is our responsibility as parents to get them outside and instill healthy habits into our children.

With all the advances in electronics these days, we all scramble to the stores to acquire that latest craze in the industry. Is that latest version Nintendo game in control of your child or is your child in control of the video game?

Set some rules for your children by limiting the time spent playing video games or watching TV. Encourage them to get outdoors for some physical activities. Take them to the park and throw a ball or  Frisbee with them. Riding a Schwinn bike is a good way to get the blood pumping and get into shape. Getting them outdoors helps them to develop stronger relationships with others and promotes better self-worth.

Swim For Good Health

Summer is time to get outside and ride a bike, play ball, go on a hike, but what do you do on those extremely hot days? If you enjoy the outdoors for your regular fitness activities as I do, those hot summer days can put a damper on your quest for fun and good health. Doing too much out in the hot sun is also very dangerous. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, bring on a heat stroke or even become fatal. Going for a swim is a great alternative.

Swimming has many benefits that contribute to your overall good health. The heart and lungs can benefit from a bout of swimming and it can be a good cardio workout. It can serve as a cross-training element to your regular workouts. If you are a runner in training, swimming is a good activity that gets your heart rate up and takes some of the impact stress off your body.You can also nurse a knee or ankle injury back to health as you enjoy water fun and activity without putting undo strain on the injury.

Regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. Before a land workout, you can use the pool for a warm-up session. Swimming with increasing effort to gradually elevate your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water. After a land workout, swimming a few laps can help you cool down, move blood through your muscles to help them recover, and help you relax.

Shower immediately after swimming. Otherwise the chlorine from the pool water will dry out your skin and cause it to crack, which will make you more susceptible to infection. After a day in the pool, a nice shower or warm bath will make you feel super clean and refreshed and prepare you for a comfortable night sleep.

Quit Smoking With Exercise

Who wants to quit smoking? I do I do! If it were only that easy. Smoking is something that many people enjoy doing. It's relaxing and soothing and takes the edge off of stressful situations. The truth is, it's an addiction. Once we're hooked, our bodies constantly crave it. We need it. It's appealing to us. How can we quit when we need and want it so badly?

You have tried everything to quit smoking. You've gone cold turkey. You've undergone hypnosis. You've tried chewing gum. You even tried acupuncture, but to no avail. Don't give up just yet. The best help so far may be found at your local gym, your local park or even in your own backyard.

What if smoking lost its' appeal? If the attractiveness were lost, maybe we could quit. It has been reported by researchers from the University of Exeter (A public research university located in England) that a bout of exercise for 10 to 15 minutes can reduce the desire to smoke. They found that getting out and exercising can be an extremely effective tool in reducing someone’s desire to smoke as it seems to minimize smoking’s attractiveness and appeal after exercise. For some reason, exercise stimulates a greater production of a chemical in the brain called endorphins, which helps us to feel happy and content.

Have you considered Electronic Cigarettes?

In the meantime, as difficult as exercise may be, as little as 10 to 15 minutes of moderate intensity activity can really help reduce cravings. Try it for yourself and see if it works for you. Who knows, you may learn to love to exercise so much that it becomes the beginning of a new and healthier you. What have you got to lose but a nasty habit.

Fitness For Busy People

Being health conscious in everything we do can go a long way in our personal strive for a healthy body. There are many ways that we can promote good health and fitness throughout our everyday busy schedules. Our days consist of numerous duties and responsibilities. We have children to care for and chores at home that need to be done. Full time jobs with a lot of hours and overtime doesn't leave much time, if any, for exercise regimens or going to the gym. At our jobs we can incorporate smart exercise fundamentals as we work.

As laborers, being smart on how you perform your various physical activities can give you some of the benefits of working out at home or at the gym. It will take a little time and creativity to mix a workable fitness program into your daily activities but the reward is a healthier body, more energy, and a better self esteem.

Before you get to work, make some simple changes that increase activity like avoiding the elevator and taking the stairs. Ride a bike to work if you can. Park at the far end of the lot and walk a little more(as long as it is safe to do so). If your job is not too far, you can walk or jog to work.

When working at a desk, try to get up and move around to keep the heart pumping. Take a walk on your lunch break. Get away from the desk for a while. Throw in some stretches two or three times a day while at your desk. The point is to get as much exercise as you can without having to schedule a separate time for it.

If you have a more physical job, you can add some strength training to your exercise plan when lifting items at work. Remember to always lift with your knees to protect your back and prevent injury. One thing I do at work is load the 16 pound bags of ice. I drop the bags to break up the ice and I do squats as I lift each bag of ice and place it in the display case.  I get a nice workout when I do this and I can feel it in my legs and arms.

Have You Considered The Total Gym?

Total Gym 3000

Achieving good health comes easy for me when I use the Total Gym. The Total Gym is used by triathletes, Olympians, pro baseball players and pro basketball players. They use it because it works and they get results.

The Total Gym 3000  has given me great results and in the last three months I've lost about 25 pounds and have more energy. Everything Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley have said about the Total Gym is true. Yes you can get a total body workout by using the Total Gym. The Total Gym saves me lots of time and I can get a great body work out in about 20 to 30 minutes a day. I like the Total Gym because I can get a good workout without straining my back and it’s a space-saver too. You can easily fold it up and place it under a bed or put it in a closet. If you want to be trim and fit, you can do it on the Total Gym. If you like Pilates workouts, you can do them on the Total Gym. If you want a body builders shape or muscular buffed shape you can do it all on the Total Gym.

I have had my Total Gym for about 12 years and it has always been fun to use. My Total Gym 3000 is very well built. It can handle weight up to 300 pounds and it still works like new.  The Total Gym takes no time to get use to, and once you learn the routines, it is very easy. I love working out on the Total Gym more than any other type of work out I have ever done. My wife loves to use the Total Gym to keep her body tone. I work out on the  Total Gym 3000 every other day. For the shape I have people think I put much more time into my work outs then I really do. I do many different exercises- arm pullovers, seated row, squats and butterflies- that target upper, middle and lower muscles groups. While you do the arm pullovers or squats, you can throw in some crunches to work the abs.  And it can be fun! Make the best of your life...and have fun doing it.

See the Total Gym 3000

Diet And Exercise Tips

All of us want to be healthy and at the same time enjoy a fun and active lifestyle. But we need to approach it with some knowledge and preplanning. A recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics concludes that seven out of 10 adults don’t regularly exercise, and nearly four in 10 aren’t physically active. Lack of exercise can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. About 300,000 people in the U.S. die each year from diseases related to inactivity.

Proper diet and exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. There needs to be a well planned program to follow and determination to adopt smart habits.  The basic steps to gradual weight loss and good health include developing healthy eating habits and increasing daily physical activity.

Self-Help Guidelines For Healthy Activity

Consult your doctor before adopting an exercise regimen, especially if you are at risk for chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity. Start out slowly and build up activity gradually over a period of months. This will help avoid soreness and injury. Try to accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate cardiovascular activity each day. You can do all 30 minutes together or through several short sessions. Some examples of cardiovascular activity are running, swimming, bicycling and jumping rope. You can utilize indoor exercise equipment such as treadmills or exercise bikes.

Add strength development exercises at least twice per week.You can do 6 to 12 repetitions of weight resistance exercises and increase the resistance as it becomes easier for strength development. Incorporate physical activity into your day. Walk to the office or store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or jog at lunch time. Make leisure time active. Ride a bike, participate in an exercise class, join in a sports activity. Select activities you enjoy, find satisfying, and give you a feeling of accomplishment. Try “active commuting.” Cycle, walk or in-line skate to work or to the store. For those who are already regularly moderately active, increase the duration and intensity for additional benefits.

Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Reviews

Why you should choose an elliptical trainer? 

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer (2012) Model

Have you noticed how many elliptical trainers are at your local health club? Elliptical machines are growing in popularity and are gaining on treadmills in overall sales. Ellipticals offer the benefit of a low-impact workout, while exercising both your upper and lower body. They are particularly appealing to an aging baby boomer generation. Elliptical trainers can be forgiving to aging joints.

Low Impact Exercise with Elliptical Machines

Elliptical trainers reduce the stress and strain on your legs through an elliptical motion. Your feet never leave the pedals. It is like walking in midair. In addition, there is no reverse action. The shape of the elliptical movement mimics the natural path of the ankle, knee and hip joints during walking, jogging or running. In comparison, when you walk or run, every step causes a jolt to your body. It is suggested that runners impact up to 2.5 times their body weight. This affects not only the joints in your legs, but also your lower back.

Foot Pedals: To further reduce the strain to your joints, many elliptical trainers are equipped with articulating foot pedals — pedals that conform to your stride. Not only do your feet never leave the pedal, but also the pedal adjusts to the angle of the elliptical stride.

Weight-Bearing Exercise: In comparison to a fitness machine like a stationary bicycle, an elliptical trainer provides a weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercises are important to inhibit the onset of osteoporosis.

Jogging For Baby And Me

So, you are the outdoors type who likes to get out and get physical. You are use to bike riding, running, jogging, joining in on sports and many other fun activities that keep you on the go. Being active is what keeps you healthy and happy and also keeps your body in shape.

Now you have moved on to another chapter in your life. You have had the joy of a new little one. Between the doctor visits and all the preparations required for a new baby you haven't been getting out like you use to. Maybe you have put on a few extra pounds or gotten flabby in some areas. You want to get back in shape but, well, the baby. What can I do?

Solution: Take the baby with you! It's easy with a Schwinn jogging stroller...

Schwinn Jogging Stroller

There are two main types of jogging strollers:

Fixed-wheel Joggers:

 Fixed-Wheel
Click for more information

Fixed-wheel jogging strollers are the traditional form of jogging stroller. The larger wheels mean a smoother ride for your child and the fixed front wheel tracks in a straight line with minimal input from you. That way you can focus on your running stride. Great for going through grass, over curbs and sidewalks and various types of terrain.

Swivel-wheel Joggers: 

Swival-Wheel
Click for more information

Swivel-wheel jogging strollers are great for tight places and lots of turns. This jogger is especially useful for urban environments or high population densities where maneuverability is a key. It's also a good 'one size fits all' stroller if you are running and walking, plus traveling or shopping.

Some of these strollers let you lock the front wheel in place for traditional jogger function and swiveling for great maneuverability when you need it.

Questions to ask before buying

Q: Will I run or walk exclusively with this item?

A: If yes, a fixed-wheel jogger would fit your needs because it has larger, more terrain-appropriate wheels, will make running easier for you, and more comfortable for your child.

Q: How do I know if my child is ready to ride in a jogger or bike trailer?

A: Children should be able to support the weight of their head. We recommend that a child be at least 6 months old before putting him or her in any of our strollers. Trailers are not for use with children under the age of 12 months.

Q: What is the height and weight limit for my baby?

A: Height limit for all of our strollers is 38 inches tall. Recommended weight limit is 50 lbs or less.

Schwinn has been a leader in quality and design for generations.

 Schwinn Double Trailer/Stroller
Click For More

If you prefer cycling, try this convenient double bicycle baby trailer which easily converts to a stroller for walking or jogging. Recommended for children from 12 months old up to 50 pounds. It is loaded with nice features such as a rain and bug shield, roomy storage, 20" wheels and a sturdy aluminum frame. This Schwinn masterpiece has a 5 year warranty. For a less expensive single trailer without the stroller option click here.

Lose 20 Pounds In 28 Days

The latest Schwinn news… InSTEP was making baby strollers for Schwinn, then they both were sold to Pacific Cycle. Pacific Cycles tries to make the Schwinn line just a little more elite than the regular Instep product, so you'll notice that the Schwinn design is superior just by a small notch. These Jogging Strollers however, are very similar to other InSTEP models.

These Schwinn jogging strollers are perfect for moms and dads who want to keep trim and fit. Or maybe you are preparing for a triathlon. Either way, staying healthy is the greatest gift you can give to your child. So if you're into jogging and fitness, get your jogging gear together, pick up that "God-given" bundle of joy and get out there!

If you prefer cycling, try this convenient bicycle baby trailer which easily converts to a stroller for walking or jogging. Recommended for children from 12 months old up to 50 pounds. It is loaded with nice features such as a rain and bug shield, roomy storage, 20″ wheels and a sturdy aluminum frame. This Schwinn masterpiece has a 5 year warrant

Schwinn Treadmill Review

Schwinn 860 Treadmill

Your goal when engaging in physical activity is to burn down calories and keep yourself physically fit and healthy. Compared to just 500 calories per hour on the exercise bike, the average medium-intensity treadmill workout burned 700 calories per hour. Dr. Hoffman said that one reason for this difference is the amount of muscle mass that is used in both exercises. Apparently, when you walk or run on a treadmill, you use more muscles than you do on a bike, stationary or otherwise.

The greatest benefit of treadmill exercise is burning calories. However, it is not the only reason why you should consider this type of workout. For people with certain health conditions, engaging in vigorous physical activity can be detrimental to their lives and their health. People such as those with osteoporosis, hypertension, and back pains are recommended to do no more than walking when they exercise so as not to overexert themselves. The treadmill, therefore, provides them with an exciting alternative to just plain walking outside.