Elliptical machines are one of the best ways to get a great cardio workout.
To buy ellipticals in Arizona, stop into an At Home Fitness store in Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert or Ahwatukee.
When compared to other exercises, such as running or weightlifting, an elliptical machine is very low impact on the body, but still gets big-time results.
Ellipticals are especially recommended for older individuals who want to get a good cardio workout, or individuals who are trying to give their back or knees a break from more jarring types of workouts.
However, all types of people can benefit from ellipticals, even highly trained athletes.
Although not real complicated to use, ellipticals can help people achieve great results. All you have to do is stand with your feet inside the foot pedals and begin moving back and forth as your hands and arms move along with the moving handlebars. When you stop, the machine will stop, too.
Most ellipticals come with preset programs that allow you to choose a workout routine. You can adjust the incline level to increase the difficulty of your workouts.
Brands available at At Home Fitness include industry leaders such as Landice Ellipticals, Life Fitness, Vision Fitness, AFG, Sole Ellipticals, HealthRider Ellipticals, LifeSpan, SportsArt, Horizon, ProForm Ellipticals and Bladez.
Talk to an At Home Fitness trained associate about the many different options available when it comes to shopping for elliptiucal machines. You can also buy ellipticals at athomefitness.com
The At Home Fitness stores are conveniently located to many communities in Arizona, such as Mesa, Tempe, Glendale and Avondale to buy fitness equipment
Of course, there are also many other types of home fitness equipment and home exercise equipment that At Home Fitness sells. Stop into one of their stores today, or shop them online at athomefitness.com

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

“Let the buyer beware”: A widely quoted principle that one buys at one’s own risk.
“Let the researcher beware”: That’s my take on people who rely on the Internet to shop around for product reviews.
Occasionally, you will find legitimate, unbiased product reviews, but most of the time they’re not much better than spam — set up to boost up a particular product. Companies either have their own employers write reviews for their goods and services, or pay others to do so.
When it comes to fitness equipment, in talking with Bryan Dorksen, co-owner of At Home Fitness in Arizona, he said researching online fitness reviews can all too often cause consumers a lot more harm than good.
“Think about it, people aren’t writing pages and pages of reviews out of the goodness of their hearts,” Dorksen said. “They’re doing it because they work for the company, or they’re being paid to do it.”
In the case of fitness equipment, Dorksen said the best lines of major brands are not widely available online.
“In each state, the major brands offer exclusive rights,” he said. “The largest retailers have the top picks from the top brands.”
That means many of the fitness products that wind up being sold on the Internet are ones that major retailers didn’t choose to sign on with. The “supposed” great internet deals could be likened to the grade-school kid who was picked last for the kickball game – in this case because the fitness stores didn’t want to carry them and they spilled over to the Internet.
Bryan is proud that At Home Fitness is a company in Arizona that does get top draft picks for its stores and online catalogs, with top fitness lines available at all their superstores in Arizona:
* Scottsdale (6969 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, zip 85254 (480) 951-6951);
* Ahwatukee (14647 So. 50th Street, Phoenix, 85044; (480) 940-1022;
* Gilbert (2810 S. Market St. Gilbert, 85295); (480) 855-6044); and
* Chandler (4320 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226; (480) 268-0637).
“We have 36 brands of fitness equipment, the best brands and the best fitness sales people in Arizona,” Dorksen said. “We’re the largest fitness retailer in Arizona.
“Whether you’re looking at home gyms, treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, or lots of other types of equipment, I invite you to come into one of our stores and talk with one of our highly trained sales associates. We do an excellent business and have the luxury of being able to be very honest with customers. We are not always the right destination for everyone and we are a high-end fitness store, but because of the way we do business we have a lot of satisfied customers.”

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

The end of cold and snow is getting near, but depending on where you live Old Man Winter may still have a strong grip on the climate.
It can be a stressful time as we get teased with more and more breaks of warm weather, only to be hit with the return of cold temperatures, wind and even snow.
If cabin fever is keeping you stressed out, here are my great eight healthy ways to relieve end-of-winter stress.
1. Exercise – Exercise can give you a natural high by releasing endorphins, plus if you’re in good shape you’ll feel better. Get three days or more a week of exercise, doing things ranging from 30 minutes on a treadmill, to working out on an elliptical machine to using free weights.
2. Change your workout routine – If you‘ve been doing a lot of the same things all winter, try to change up you exercise routine some. When there are breaks of nice weather for an hour or so here or there, or a even a few days of clear, go outside for some fresh air and exercise. Even getting outside once or twice a week for a bike ride, jog or walk can do a world of good for your mood.
3. Drink more water – Make sure to stay well hydrated – even in colder weather some people can get dehydrated if they don‘t drink enough water.
4. Take a vacation – Even if it’s only for a day or two, take a break to get away from day-to-day stresses.
5. Eat fruit – Get natural nutrition and an energy boost with a snack that brightens up your day.
6. Wear proper outdoors clothing – Dress in layers to help keep you warm enough because in late winter and early spring it‘s probably colder than it seems, even on nice sunny days.
7. Eat healthy – A well-balanced, healthy diet can give you the nutrition to feel better physically, have more energy and, in turn, have a better mental outlook.
8. Plan ahead – Use your time wisely to have enough left over to schedule some of these stress relievers.

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

Landice ElliptiMill

Landice is extremely well know in the treadmill business, but did you know the company also makes some of the premier elliptical machines in the country?
Elliptical machines allow you to burn lots of calories without the weight-bearing stress of jogging. By grabbing the machine’s handles with your arms, you’ll also build strength and firm up the muscles in your arms. The core is engaged during the workout, so your stomach muscles will also get a workout.
The smooth, low-impact glide of the Landice elliptical machines provide a fun way to get a great workout for people of all ages.
If you want to purchase a Landice product, here’s a look at some of their top ellipticals on the market, along with Landice descriptions:
Landice E950 Pro Trainer ElliptiMill – The Landice E950 Elliptimill is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model.
This is the most basic model within the Landice E950 ElliptiMill series, providing a smooth workout, five built-in programs, and an excellent display. MSRP: $3,695.00
Landice E950 Pro Sports Trainer ElliptiMill – This is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model. MSRP: $3,895.00
Landice E950 Cardio Trainer ElliptiMill – This machine is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model. MSRP: $3,995.00
Landice E950 Executive Trainer ElliptiMill – The Landice E950 Elliptimill is the commercial version of the E7 with a standard, full 5 year commercial warranty. If you need an elliptical for commercial use, this is the perfect model. This is the top-of-the-line model in the E950 ElliptiMill series, featuring an 8.5 inch computer animated video display and six different fitness tests. MSRP: $4,695.00

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

For a top-quality cardio workout that will burn the most calories, in many cases people rate the elliptical over the treadmill.
Because ellipticals give a thorough, complete-body workout for the upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate elevates quickly.
Consequently, the entire body is being worked and less time is required to achieve more results.
If you walk or only lightly jog on a treadmill, it will take you considerably longer to burn as many calories as on an elliptical machine.
However, if you run at a fast rate on a treadmill, that requires a great deal of energy and the calorie burn is just about the same.
If you prefer to do low-impact cardio workouts, an elliptical machine will be more beneficial in many instances.
However, if you prefer to run, then a treadmill is the better choice.
And what really burns the most calories over the long run for some people is making sure you buy a piece of equipment you like enough to use consistently.
The best advice I can give is to try out both machines before making a decision. Bring your running shoes to a specialty fitness store, such as At Home Fitness, and give both machines a thorough tryout.

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

Most people who have worked out even a little bit know about elliptical machines nowadays. 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.
If you observe people using both machines and try them yourself, it may still leave you wondering which is better.
Here are some things to consider when deciding between a treadmill or elliptical machine if you are only able to include one in your gym.
* Elliptical trainers have an edge over treadmills in that they give you an upper body workout as well thanks to the handles you grab onto.
* Ellipticals keep you secured on the footpads so 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.
* If you like to run or walk, nothing beats a treadmill machine. It actually cushions you more than running outside, but there is still more wear and tear than using an elliptical.
* I feel a treadmill gives you more variation on your workouts because you can vastly change the speeds, incline or decline and easily get intervals in. Of course, you can do some of those same things on an elliptical, although you can’t get the feeling of speed of running at a high rate on a treadmill.
* Treadmills offer great versatility for anyone from a rehab patient to elite athlete trying to push themselves in high-impact running.
* Ellipticals can be good for someone looking to change up their workout or get more motivation as it’s a different type of movement than walking – something we’ve all done for as long as we can remember.
* On the flip side, some people quickly become bored of being locked into a set motion on an elliptical and do go back to walking.
* 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.
* As far as price goes, treadmills often tend to be pricier, but if you shop around you can find bargains for both. It all depends what you’re looking for and how sturdy a piece of equipment you want.
Coming Wednesday, I’ll answer the question: Which burns more calories, treadmill or elliptical?
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

The rush of the holiday season leaves lots of us in a doubly tight pinch: Short on time and ideas.
Fear not because today I have seven last-minute fitness gifts between $100-$1,000 that may help you get that special someone a Christmas present they’ll really enjoy.
1. LifeSpan TR800 Treadmill ($895 through AtHomeFitness.com, save $104) – The TR800 folding treadmill is intuitive and simple to operate. It’s space-friendly and fits nicely into a home. The console features soft touch buttons so you can quickly select an exercise program or just press Start to begin exercising. Exercise programs are designed to help you achieve your goals for Weight Management, Healthy Living, Sports Training or Heart Rate Control. Convenient controls on the large handlebars let you adjust your speed and incline, and monitor your heart rate. Folding and unfolding the TR800 is easy due to the hydraulic system that safely and gently lowers the treadmill to the ground.
2. Vision Fitness X20 Elliptical ($999, through AHF) – The Vision Fitness X20 elliptical trainer is one of the most eagerly awaited products to hit the market in a very long time. While Vision Fitness has always been known to create exceptional products, there were those who said a $1000 elliptical could not be considered a “high end” machine. They were wrong and Vision Fitness has done it!
3. LifeCore Fitness LC985vg Elliptical (sale price $799, save $400 through AHF) – The LifeCore Fitness LC985vg Elliptical is a combination of the LC980 and the LC990, combining some of the best features of both models while keeping the price in the mid-range. LifeCore Fitness has truly made a remarkable machine, engineering one of the most compact and fluid ellipticals in the market today.
4. Bosu Ball Professional ($154.99 through AHF) – The Professional version of the Bosu Ball has an upgraded quality from the Home Version. With a heavier grade material on both the ball and the frame, the Bosu Ball Professional version will stand up to the harshest of environments and look great in the process. Neuromuscular physiology, which helps to define human movement, provides the science that backs this remarkably complete approach to training
5. Dr. Hoys Pain Relief Gel 64oz ($174.99) – Get 64 ounces of the award winning gel. Great for commercial environments. DOCTOR HOY’S can aid in the relaxation of muscles prior to and after physical activity. Because menthol leads to an increase in blood circulation and oxygen flow, applying the product can be very beneficial in many situations. For example, when muscles contract, the cells within the muscle use more oxygen and produce more waste products
6. Massages for a year (price varies, ask for discounts for multiple massage purchase from a reputable practitioner or salon) – Anyone who’s ever had a massage from a licensed professional can attest to how great they can make you feel, and also help limber you up to work out better. I can’t think of a much better gift than to give someone you love “Massages for a year” by getting them gift certificates for 12 massages in 2011. Or, if that’s too pricey, get them certificates for something like two, four or six massages in the coming year.
7. AHF Gift Cards (get whatever $$$ you want) – Check out www.AtHomeFitness.com for the present that can never go wrong – gift cards.

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

Last-minute Christmas shoppers still have a chance to take advantage of a great last-minute deal.
The ElliptiGO is a new fitness sensation that’s sweeping the nation and for the rest of the December it’s still available for introductory price of $2,199. Starting Jan. 1, 2011 the new fitness phenomenon that combines riding a bike and an elliptical machine will be bumped up to a price of $2,499.
ElliptiGOs are on back order at many fitness stores, but a limited quantity are still available through At Home Fitness.
Chances are you’ve seen the ElliptiGO featured on television, on a show such as “The Doctors”, or in a magazine, or maybe even watched someone in your neighborhood riding one.
The ElliptiGO bike was invented by former Ironman triathlete Bryan Pate to help runners avoid beating up their bodies through repeated impact.
It’s an outdoor bike with eight speeds that’s a cross between an elliptical trainer and a bicycle.
You can take the traditional elliptical motion outdoors to get a running experience like never before.
The ElliptiGO’s pedals move in a forward motion that’s very similar to a runner’s stride, but minus the hard impact from bouncing up and down on the road or track.
Pate, a former cyclist and triathlete who suffered hip and knee injuries, said the ElliptiGO is a low-impact, high-output, cross-training bike that combines running and cycling. It weighs just 40 pounds.
Depending on your leg strength, you can cruise at about 15-25 mph on the ElliptiGO. Hand levers that connect to rim brakes on the front and rear wheels help you slow down or stop.
For more on the ElliptiGO stop in at At Home Fitness in Arizona, or visit their website.

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

If you’re looking for an extra special Christmas present to get someone, consider giving the person you love one of the ultimate fitness gifts there is out there: An elliptical machine.
Maybe you will get if for yourself, or your family. Here’s a countdown of the top five reasons why an elliptical machine makes the perfect Christmas present:
5. Elliptical machines allow you to burn lots of calories without the weight-bearing stress of jogging. By grabbing the machine’s handles with your arms, you’ll also build strength and firm up the muscles in your arms. The core is engaged during the workout, so your stomach muscles will also get a workout.
4. Due to the elliptical motion of the machine, you are able to enjoy a low-impact workout because your feet never leave the footpads. The user will enjoy a continuous, smooth pattern that takes away the stress on your joints.
3. You are free to program your elliptical exercise trainer for the workout settings you want. Program the machine for the speed, resistance and ramp angle that fits your workout needs best.
2. There’s sure to be a model that fits your training and budget needs. Some of the leading models are: Octane Fitness Q35c Elliptical, Life Fitness X8 Basic Elliptical, Vision Fitness S7100 Suspension Trainer, AFG 3.0 AE Elliptical, LifeCore Fitness LC985vg Elliptical.
1. The smooth, low-impact glide of the elliptical is a fun way to get a great workout for people of all ages.

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 your schedule is jam-packed is when workouts can suffer. This can especially be the case during the holiday season, when obligations with family and friends add to people’s busy lives.
Some people throw in the towel on working out altogether during the holidays, while others go weeks without getting in many sessions at the gym.
However, when time is in short supply that doesn’t mean you have to nix the workouts. Just condense your fitness routine when needed. Here are five 20-minute workouts to keep your fitness level up when time is workout down.
Circuit training — Perform a home gym circuit in which you start by walking or running on your treadmill for 2 minutes. If you don’t have a home treadmill, you can even go up and down your steps to get the blood flowing. Then do a set of pushups for 15 seconds and then situps for the same time. After that, run another 2 minutes and repeat pushup/situp circuit. After this, lift weights for preferred exercises for sets of 12 and take only 30-second breaks in between. Do as much as you can in 20 minutes and you’ll break a nice sweat.
Hill running — Warm up with a 3-5 minute jog and then run up a hill in your neighborhood — or you could set your treadmill on a hill incline.
At the top of the hill, catch your breath, walk for 1-2 minutes at the top and then jog back down. Repeat the circuit as many times as you can in 20 minutes.
Interval training — When running, start out with a jog for 3-5 minutes, then run at a faster pace for 5 minutes. Back off down to a slower speed for 1-2 minutes and then run at even faster speed for 3-5 minutes before finishing with a cool-down job. You could also use interval speeds for walking, alternating how fast your pace is.
Endurance training — Sometimes people have several time slots where they can work out in, but just not long ones. A great way to build endurance is to exercise several times in the same day for 20-minute spans. You could perhaps go on a run for 20 minutes early in the day, return home to host family and/or do a household project and then lift weights later in the day.
Home cooking — If you’re so busy that you really can’t even leave your house, then get in a quick workout in your living room. You can do situps/pushups, use a workout DVD, perform stretching exercises or abdominal workouts, etc.
I can tell you from personal experience that bridging together 20-minute workouts during busy periods in your life can really make a big difference to overall workouts. You won’t lose as much when you get back into the gym for your usual workouts. And these 20-minute workouts will go a long way in helping you to deal with holiday stress.

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