Are you or someone close you you looking to get stronger in 2012.
If so, an A-list Christmas gift you should consider is a home gym machine.
What could be a better way to ensure that you’ll exercise than to have the convenience of owning your own home gym?
A home gym gives a person the ability to exercise whenever they want and to totally control the workout environment because it’s in their own home.
The Home Gym includes one or two weight stacks, with fixed arms and hand grips. It can be bulkier and more expensive than Functional Trainers.
Most movements on a Home Gym follow a set plane, such as military press for shoulders, bench press for chest or leg extensions.
Home Gyms are great for beginners as they are generally regarded to be easier to use, but they can also benefit experienced lifters.
They can be a good complement to lifting with free weights because Home Gyms will keep you on a controlled lift and do a good job of isolating specific body parts.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Many innovations have come along in the fitness world since the exercise bike became popular, but few machines can match the benefits bikes bring to an extremely diverse section of the population.
When trying to decide the perfect last-minute, A-list Christmas gift to give a friend or loved one, you might want to consider an exercise bike.
Exercise bikes range from the simple to the high-tech, complete with video screens to map out courses.
When you’re beginning an exercise routine, it’s important to find something you enjoy and is easy to do. That’s what makes the stationary bike or recumbent bike an ideal choice, especially for the novice exerciser or someone with back, knee, or joint problems that make running or walking more difficult.
A stationary bike is very easy on the joints, and also easy to use compared to say a treadmill or elliptical machine.
Having a bike indoors can also offer great freedom to ride when you want and also stay out of the elements. You can ride watching TV or listening to music, day or night.
Even for highly fit individuals, an exercise bike can still be a great way to get loose, change up the cardio routine or cool down.
Exercise bikes put less wear and tear on your legs than running on a treadmill. You won’t burn quite as many calories as running in the same amount of time, but exercise bikes still offer the chance to get consistently good workouts.
Studies show on average that people burn 750 calories per hour on a treadmill, compared to 550 on an exercise bike.
However, that can be a little misleading because for many people it’s much easier to keep up a good pace longer on an exercise bike than a treadmill.
So in the long run, you may be capable of burning more calories on a bike.

Recumbent or upright bike?
Upright exercise bikes have been around a long time and look like the bikes we grew up riding on.
To more and more people, though, recumbent bikes are the popular choice.
with no back support and a great way to work out the legs, especially the quads.
For avid outdoor cyclists, during the cold months they’re the next best thing to riding outdoors.
Upright bikes are also a great way to warm up before a workout, cool down and-or get a cardio workout on.
You get a lot more support from a recumbent bike, which offers a back rest with curved lower-lumbar support and puts more emphasis on the hamstrings.
If you have had any back trouble, a recumbent bike might be the best choice because of its added support. When choosing a stationary bike, comfort is a big key.
For many people who are way overweight a recumbent is a great way to start the process of trimming down. You can get a cardio workout on it without putting much stress on the back and joints.
Each type of fitness bike has its pros and cons depending on your riding preferences and fitness goals.
Some people feel the recumbent fitness bike is more ergonomically
and bio-mechanically correct because of its frame and handlebar design:

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

When it comes to gym equipment, one of the best ways to get a great cardio and leg workout with putting excess stress on your joints is the elliptical machine.
Getting an elliptical machine for a friend or loved one would certainly rank near the top on anyone’s A-list for the best fitness-related Christmas gifts.
Although treadmills are the longtime dominant fitness machine for cardio exercises, elliptical machines continue to gain in popularity.
Go to any fitness club or gym that has both machines and you’ll likely see people getting great workouts on both.
Elliptical trainers differ from treadmills in that they give you an upper body workout as well a leg workout due to the handles you grab onto.
Thanks to secured footpads, there is little or no impact on your feet, knees and joints as you perform the elliptical motion.
Many people switch to ellipticals because it’s less harsh on the joints, especially older folks.
For people looking to change up their workout or get more motivation, the different type of movement on an elliptical machine does the trick.
Older people or those looking for a new twist to their workout might like the elliptical better, but whatever direction you choose both pieces of equipment offer an excellent way to improve cardio health and tone muscles.
Because ellipticals give a thorough, complete-body workout for the upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate elevates quickly.
At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Whole Body Vibration machines, also know as Accelerated Vibration Training machines, might not be as well known to people as fitness staples such as treadmills and elliptical machines.
However, they’re an incredibly fast growing part of the fitness industry and an A-list gift idea that people of all ages can benefit greatly from.
Accelerated Vibration Trainers such as the 3G Cardio® AVT™ 5.0 Vibration Machine allow people to get better training results in less time than traditional methods.
The person training on a vibration machine holds common exercise positions, such as a squat, pushup or calf raise. The vibrations will cause the engaged muscles to reflexively contract.
Whereas a normal squat may only activate about 30-60 percent of the leg muscles, the acceleration trainer will allow a person to keep going and engage up to 99 percent of the muscle group. Fast-twitch and stabilizing muscles become more engaged, and more strengthened in the process.
The 3G Cardio® AVT™ 5.0 Vibration Machine is one of the very best vibration machines on the market and winner of two Best Buy awards. The ergonomically-correct handles, and comfort of the vibration platform and overall stability of the machine help make anyone feel at home on it.
And the adjustable power levels will make sure the user gets the vibration power needed to get the best workout possible.
Don’t just take my word on it. Try out a vibration training machine today at one of At Home Fitness’ superstores in Arizona or learn more about them at www.athomefitness.coom.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

When thinking about a top-of-the-line fitness gift to give a loved one, friend or even yourself for Christmas, a treadmill is as good as it gets.
Arguably the MVP of a club or home gym, the treadmill comes in a variety of styles and prices to meet your needs. They also benefit people of just about any age.
With a treadmill you can customize your training however you want.
Set the speed, incline, intervals and time of the workout with countless options available to be programmed.
On a treadmill the running surface is consistent every time. You won’t have to worry about tripping or falling after running over a hole or rock and hurting yourself.
Of course, when you have a treadmill, you also control the environment. If it’s colder or hotter than you’d prefer outside, or there’s a chance of rain and lightning or high winds, a treadmill allows you to quickly bring your workout inside.
Many people also value being able to control the entertainment around them while using a treadmill. You can face the TV or place a magazine on the treadmill rack. Or set up your home stereo however you want nearby. By the time your favorite TV sitcom is over you can have a great half hour workout in.
Another benefit over running outdoors is that the padded surface on a treadmill makes for a softer landing than running on may outdoor surfaces. The treadmill is easier on the joints and limits extra strain on the body.
It’s also easy to chart how far or fast you’ve gone on a treadmill, or how many calories you’ve burned, as treadmills offer a visual display to track results.
Stop into a specialty fitness store or check out www.athomefitness to learn about great online deals available for fitness equipment.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

In life too much of the same thing can result in a person becoming bored and stagnant.
The same is true for your cardio workouts.
Months or even years of doing the same things, such as performing treadmill or elliptical machine workouts the same way, can cause a person to plateau.
Here are five great ways to change up your cardio workouts. Try some of these tips and you should notice a burst of energy and ultimately get into even better shape. Turns out variety is the spice of life, even when it comes to exercising.
1. Intervals – You can change up any exercise by simply changing the way you do it. Interval training is one of the most basic, but best changes you can make.
Research shows that a 20-minute interval training workout can actually be more beneficial than walking or jogging along at a low speed for 30-40 minutes.
Instead of jogging or walking along at basically the same pace, interval training means you run or walk faster for periods of 2-3 minutes or longer, for example, then back down the intensity for 30-60 seconds, then speed up again.
Running too fast or even walking too briskly can cause injury, though, if people aren’t used to it. Proceed with care before you speed up too fast and consult with a doctor before making any major changes in your workout routine.
Other ways to add intervals to your workout are to change the incline and-or resistance of the machine you’re using.
2. Use a rowing machine – Rowing machines have been around for decades, but often sit in the back corner of a gym. However, rowing machines can provide a great cardio challenge, build muscle and provide a fun change from most people’s usual cardio workouts.
3. Swimming – Called the best all-around exercise there is by many people, swimming is also an excellent way to cross train.
4. Stair climber – Hop on a stair climber and get a highly challenging cardio workout that will push you in different ways than your usual 20-30 minutes on the treadmill or elliptical.
5. Take a bike ride – Whether you go for a ride outside, on an exercise bike or take a fast-paced indoor exercise bike class, it’s an excellent way to get great interval training.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Fitness gifts are one of the best ways to show the people close to you that you care about them. And also send them into the new year on a healthy note.
I suggested some good fitness-related Christmas gifts last week and today I’m back with seven more holiday ideas.
1. Balance ball – Unlike training on a stable, flat surface, a balance ball is a round, unstable surface, so you not only train the primary muscle groups, but also the smaller stabilizing muscles as well. Try the GoFit Professional Grade Burst Resistant Ball – 55CM Dark Red
Sale Price through At Home Fitness: $39.99
2. Exercise mat - Yoga Mat With Yoga Posture Poster – Blue 0.25in X 24in X 68in provides an excellent non-slip surface which is ideal for yoga practice and stretching routines. The top quality GoFit Yoga Mat is twice as thick as a regular yoga mat. This mat has an extra-cushioned, airy surface, providing comfort and protection during specific yoga poses or Pilates mat work. AHF Sale Price: $19.99
3. Resistance Band Set – A great gift for a fitness friend and can be used at home, the office and even easily packed up for travel.
4. Power Tube – Smartweight Power Tube Black 20lb With New Safety Tube Technology Contoured Handles, Door Connector And Exercise Poster. Sale Price: $15.99
5. Event tickets – Buy some tickets to an upcoming sporting event or fitness show.
6. Exercise clothes – You can never go wrong with exercise clothes, such as a hoodie, sweat pants or even good, quality socks to work out in.
7. Gym bag- Get them a new gym bag if you know they have an old, falling apart bag they’re using.
Check out one of At Home Fitness’ Arizona superstores located in Ahwatuke, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale and Desert Ridge, or visit them online at www.athomefitness.com. AHF has storewide deals with savings up to 25 percent and special no-interest financing deals available.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Black Friday has come and gone, but there’s still plenty of shopping left to do and great deals that can be found.
Why not give the gift of fitness to a family member, friend or co-worker?
Here are 20 great fitness gift ideas to consider. It’s a gift that will keep on giving.
20 – Subscription to Fitness magazines
19 – Fitness DVDs
18 – Workout clothes
17 – Heart rate monitor16 – Yoga essentials, such as mat
15 – Free weights
14 – Power blocks13 – Exercise mat
12 – Exercise music (Cds or downloads)
11 – Kettlebells
10 – Power Plate machine
9 – Rowing machine
8 – Workout bench
7 – Recumbent exercise bike
6 – Upright exercise bike
5 – Home gym
4 – 3G Cardio Vibration trainer machine
3 – Elliptical machine
2 – Functional trainer machine
1 – Treadmill machineFor lots more information on nearly all of the above mentioned gift ideas, visit www.AtHomeFitness.com. You can visit one of their super stores in Arizona or shop online to arrange delivery anywhere in the U.S. and beyond. There are special financing options available, as well as free shipping for any order of $500 or more.
Don’t wait until New Year’s Day to make a fitness resolution – get started on the path to better health today.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

Accelerated Vibration Training (AVT) is a breakthrough way to exercise for people of nearly all ages and the 3G Cardio AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine is one of the best ways to do it.
In fact, the 3G Cardio AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine was ranked second in the world in a recent comparison researched by www.vibrationplatereview.com. The machine was presented with a “Best Buy Award” and received a rating of 96 out of a possible 100. The model was also awarded 6-of-6 stars by the website.
Another review site, www.vibration-machine-reviews.com, also bestowed a “Best Buy Award” to the 3G Cardio AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine. Those reviewers commented, “The 3G Cardio 6.0 AVT™ Vibration Machine packs quite a lot of quality into a mid-level price point.
“The 6.0 AVT™ Vibration Machine boasts an oversized platform, an extremely sturdy frame and a very good overall unit weight (267lbs), adjustable frequency range of 30-50 Hertz and good options for customizable programming, great overall feel with a comfortable and powerful vibration level and easy to hold upper handles,” the review site continued. “We really like the overall fit and finish of the 6.0™ Vibration plate and rate it is one of our top picks.”
The 3G Cardio AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine is available exclusively through At Home Fitness’ superstores in Arizona or online at www.athomefitness.com.
At a retail price of $4,999 and a weight of 267 pounds, the 3G Cardio AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine incredibly has the same sized workout platform (34×28) to stand on as a $12,000 vibration machine listed on the report.
When it comes to vibration machines, the actual physical weight of a machine is a good indicator of just how good a unit is and the 3G model literally stacks up with just about any competitor.
The AVT 6.0 machine has a base that measures 45x36x28 and matches any other model with a Hertz capacity of up to 50 and an amplitude that can be be adjusted from 1-4 mm. It can be purchased in black or silver.
Vibration training machines create instability, which the body senses and reflexively contracts muscle tissue involuntarily to stabilize and react to the stimuli.
The result is all three types of skeletal muscles are instantaneously called into service because of the near-immediate level of fatigue. No longer is there a “progression of muscle fatigue” as in normal
strength training.
AVT, also known as Whole Body Vibration Training (WBV or WBVT), can work up to 95 percent of the muscle fibers, compared to as little as 20 percent with standard equipment.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com

PHOENIX – At Home Fitness has reached an agreement to add a major product line to its chain of fitness superstores in Arizona.
“We are very excited to announce that we have added the 3G Cardio line,” said Bryan Dorksen, co-owner of At Home Fitness, Arizona’s largest specialty fitness dealer. “We will be carrying their accelerated vibration training machines and treadmills.
“We are very excited to have earned the right to carry their products. The 3G Cardio AVT™ 5.0 Vibration Machine and AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine have already won two Best Buy awards.”
Accelerated Vibration Training (AVT) is one of the fastest growing areas of the fitness industry, with more and more people taking advantage of the highly effective method of training.
Vibration training machines create instability, which the body senses and reflexively contracts muscle tissue involuntarily to stabilize and react to the stimuli.
The result is all three types of skeletal muscles are instantaneously called into service because of the near-immediate level of fatigue. No longer is there a “progression of muscle fatigue” as in normal
strength training.
AVT, also known as Whole Body Vibration Training (WBV or WBVT), can work up to 95 percent of the muscle fibers, compared to as little as 20 percent with standard equipment.
So in a lot less time than using traditional exercise methods, people can get a much better workout.
Many experts say people can get great benefits from performing WBV training just 30 minutes three times a week.
And the 3G Cardio AVT™ 5.0 Vibration Machine and AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine are two of the best on the market when it comes to combining quality with value.
“The top-rated vibration machine retails at $8,000, while the AVT™ 6.0 Vibration Machine is ranked second overall and will be available at At Home Fitness for just $4,999,” Dorksen said. “We are extremely happy to be able to bring that kind of value to our customers and look forward to a great partnership with 3G Cardio.”

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com