jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Do you like body-weight exercises like pullups, dips, vertical knee raise, step-ups and box jumps?  If so, the new Stamina X Fortress is a great option to add to your home gym!  This is the only fitness tree on the market to include an adjustable plyo box and a full array of pullup handle options.  Come check it out today!  Mention this post and receive and extra $20 off our in store price of $599.

Stamina X Fortress

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

I’m a bit of a junkie for tracking workouts, and have read several blogs put out by big companies reviewing their capabilities.  The funny thing is, most of them are simply glorified pedometers with an app that displays some information.  Here is how they differ and why we sell the Polar Loop!

FitBit – at the time of writing this, there are 3 models available.  FitBit Flex (wrist) $99.95, FitBit One (flash drive size for in pocket) $99.95 and FitBit Zip (belt clip on) $59.95. Here is a handy comparison page on their website: http://www.fitbit.com/comparison/trackers  FitBit does a fine job of tracking steps and sending that info on to their website or app.  The problem is it doesn’t do much for in-depth analysis of specific workouts, and is at best a guesstimate on actual calories burned.  You can use their website to track other things like diet, but many features you need to pay an annual subscription for of $49.95/year.  http://www.fitbit.com/premium/about  FitBit is water resistant, not waterproof.  If you plan on swimming, you should probably look for another product. https://help.fitbit.com/customer/portal/articles/1083828-i-washed-my-tracker Overall, the FitBit is one of the leaders in the category, but is somewhat limited if you want more detail such as heart rate! The best thing about FitBit is the ability to sync to most mobile devices, connect and compete with friends, and it plays well with other fitness apps.

Polar Loop

Nike FuelBand – $169.95 or $149.95 depending on color – the best thing about this unit is it looks cool.  These are unfortunately overpriced, need frequent charging, and talk in “Fuel Points” which is Nike’s own calculation – not a well known means of work like calories.  It also is only water resistant, not waterproof – so swimming is not an option. http://support-en-us.nikeplus.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/20771/p/3169,3180  It also does not pair with a heart rate monitor for detailed workout tracking.  If you want more from your workout tracker, there are better options out there.

Polar Loop – $109.95 – this is the one we carry in our store.  Why?  1. It pairs with a bluetooth heart rate monitor (we sell the Polar H-7 strap).  This gives you much more detail on the app and website so you can do a much better job getting accurate information into the database.  2. It is waterproof – so swim, shower, and wakeboard while wearing it. 3. Polar Flow app offers detailed information and links to your polar account for viewing online as well as social and friend competition options. https://flow.polar.com/#home  If you just want the step tracking, $109.95 gets you started, and if you want to take it to the next level, add the H-7 strap for the ultimate package at just under $200.

Want to see it live before you buy?  Drop by the store.  I will show you my app, detailed info and help you get started!

-Jeff
jeff@nwfitnessportland.com
503-231-1330

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

What happens when you mix a great feeling elliptical trainer with the best technology?  AMAZING RESULTS!  That is what you can expect from the latest Octane Fitness Q-series ellipticals.  In this post we will talk specifically about the Q37xi and Q47xi models with the iPad compatibility and new SmartLink technology.

We already know that Octane makes a great feeling elliptical.  Their patented movement patters and excellent biomechanics make their ellipticals easy on your joints, and fun to use.  They are easy to get on and off, plus have a low step up height which makes them the ideal choice for any basement or low ceiling height situation.  Their displays have now been upgraded and simplified to offer a sleeker, more refined user experience.  Octane has added a light bar that gives the user critical feedback to let them know how hard they are working.  The light bar also is the indicator of when to start and end strength exercises during cross-circuit workouts, and is now multi-color to enhance booster programs like glute kicker and arm blaster.
   

Not only has the console itself been upgraded, but now the xi models offer bluetooth connectivity to any iPad2 or newer.  By downloading the free SmartLink app, the user makes their workout experience much more interactive, intuitive, and user friendly.  It takes the traditional programs and adds categorization for easier understanding of the intent of the program.  The user can choose from 12 “lose weight”, 20 “feel better”, 12 “tone up”, and 30 “athletic performance” programs that include live video to show you what to do and when! Check out the videos on this blog and then come see it live at the store.

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

If you are like most people, you have worked out on a treadmill, elliptical, stair stepper and exercise bike.  What is the one thing all of those machines have in common?

Helix H1000 Lateral Trainer

They use your muscles in a front to back pattern which targets a certain mix of your muscle groups.  It may be time to try something new, something different.  Something LATERAL?

Have you ever done a defensive slide drill in basketball?  How about speed-skating or downhill skiing?  Nothing lights your legs on fire like lateral movement.  Equipment manufacturers are now bringing lateral to the options in cardio equipment.

In testing, they have shown amazing muscle activation to the glutes, core, inner and outer thighs – which are all target areas for those who want to lose weight and look good. Helix is even offering a promotion for the month of January – they are so sure you will love the lateral movement of the Helix Trainer, and they are so sure you will need a new wardrobe, that they are backing it up with a $50 Macy’s gift card with purchase of the H1000 and $100 for the HLT3000.

We are also offering special 12 month 0% interest during the promotion! Come in and try one today…or for more info on lateral training, visit http://www.helixco.com/lateral-training/  

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

It is always our goal to sell the best products at the best price everyday.  This year many of our products have received recognition as the best product.  Here is a complete list of the awards from Fitness Professor Reviews 2014 including links!

Treadmills:
Bodyguard T460xc – Best Treadmill Any Price Range
Bodyguard T280PO – Best Treadmill under $4500
Landice L-7 Pro Trainer – Best Treadmill under $4000
Vision Fitness T40 Elegant – Best Treadmill under $3500
SportsArt T611 – Best Treadmill under $3000
LifeSpan TR3000i – Best Treadmill under $2000
Vision Fitness T10 – Best Treadmill under $1500
LifeSpan TR200 – Best Treadmill under $1000
LifeSpan Treadmill Desks – Best Treadmill Desks Any Price Range

Elliptical Trainers:
Octane Q47ci – Best Elliptical under $5000
Octane Q47c – Best Elliptical under $4500
Vision Fitness S7200HRT – Best Elliptical under $4000
Octane Q37ci – Best Elliptical under $3500
Octane Q37c – Best Elliptical under $3000
Octane Q35c – Best Elliptical under $2500
Vision Fitness X40 Classic – Best Elliptical under $2000
Vision Fitness X10 – Best Elliptical under $1000

Cross Trainers:
Octane LateralX – Best Cross Trainer Any Price Range
Octane xR6ce – Best Cross Trainer under $4500
Octane xR6e – Best Cross Trainer under $4000
Octane xR6 standard – Best Cross Trainer under $3500
BodyCraft R25 Recumbent – Best Cross Trainer under $2000

Recumbent Bikes:
Bodyguard R9x – Best Recumbent Bike Any Price Range
Bodyguard R6x – Best Recumbent Bike under $2500
BodyCraft R25 Recumbent – Best Cross Trainer under $2000
Vision Fitness R10 – Best Recumbent Bike under $750

Upright Bikes:
Bodyguard V9x – Best Upright Bike under $2500
SportsArt c521u – Best Upright Bike under $2000
Vision Fitness U20 Elegant – Best Upright Bike under $1500
Vision Fitness U20 Classic – Best Upright Bike under $1000

Indoor Cycles (Spin Bikes):
Relay Fitness EVOcx – Best Indoor Cycle under $2000
Relay Fitness EVOix – Best Indoor Cycle under $1500
Waters Tsunami Pro – Best Indoor Cycle under $1250
LifeSpan S2 – Best Indoor Cycle under $750

Best Rower:
BodyCraft VR500 – Best Rower under $2000

Home Gyms and Functional Trainers:
Vectra VX-FT 2-Stack – Best Functional Trainer under $6000
Vectra VX-FT 1-Stack – Best Functional Trainer under $4500
Torque Fitness F7 – Best Functional Trainer under $4000
BodyCraft PFT – Best Functional Trainer under $3500
Tuff Stuff SPT-6 – Best Home Gym under $3000
Torque Fitness F1 – Best Functional Trainer under $1500
Torque X-Rack Warrior – Best Rig/Rack System under  $750

That is a ton of recognition in many different categories and price levels.  Come shop with us to buy the best!
www.nwfitnessportland.com

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Looking for the ultimate workout motivation? Look no further – the new “Touch” console on the 2013 Vision Fitness ellipticals, treadmills and exercise bikes has it all! The new “Touch” screen is packed with features and motivation to get you results. It offers workout tracking for up to 4 users. Once your profile is setup, just log in before each workout and the calendar automatically updates your workout statistics.

There are tons of programs available – highlighted by the “Virtual Active” trails that actually interact with your machine. With these programs your treadmill will change elevation to match the HD trail as it is passing by. As you adjust the speed, the feed of the trail adjusts to match your pace. If you are on an elliptical or bike, the resistance kicks up with the elevation of the trail, and the speed adjusts to match your pedaling speed. To take it one step further, you can display the “Virtual Active” trails onto your HD television using the “Passport” player.

There are tons of other great features that you will find in the “Touch” console. It connects with Nike+, has integrated on-screen controls for your iPod, and tons more. The best part – it is so intuitive to use, I was able to figure it out without even cracking the owner’s manual. To see this live for yourself, come on down to the store and we will give you a live demo! Check out the full line of Vision Fitness products here.

Vision Fitness Touch Console

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By: Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Bodyguard "imagine" iPad app

One of the biggest hurdles to sticking with any workout program is boredom.  Keeping the user entertained and maximizing results are the two biggest factors in sustaining a solid workout plan.  Once you have made the decision to buy equipment for your home, you are on your way to success!  New technology in one brand of treadmills is making workouts fun again – and their iPad integration makes it impossible to run out of fun things to do while working out.

Bodyguard fitness has just launched the “imagine” iPad app for their treadmills.  This is not simply a docking station that will charge your iPod and play music, but a fully integrated treadmill control panel app that utilizes the many great features we already use on the iPad everyday and allows for maximum multitasking and fantastic reporting on workout results too!

Studies have shown that we are now spending more time than ever on the internet.  Just recently the statistics have changed to be more on mobile devices and more time using apps than using web browsers.  The iPad dominates the tablet computer market and has more apps than any other competitive product.  The ease of use and great features give iPad users unlimited options when it comes to entertainment.  You have true entertainment options like movies, YouTube, and streaming live sports; you have social media like facebook, twitter, and pinterest; you have email, internet, games, and even interactive exercising apps that give you that “on the trail” outdoors experience like Virtual Active.

So now that you know that the entertainment options are are unlimited, let’s talk about the “imagine” app and how it can help you reach your fitness goals!  The first thing you notice about the app is the ease of setting up your user profile.  You enter your name, weight, age, etc and even snap a quick pic of yourself and you are ready to go.  Now each time you use the treadmill, just select your profile and you are logged in for history, data, and custom settings.  Setting up programs is a snap.  Each program has a brief description of what the intended use is.  Find the one you want and follow the prompts to customize the speed, elevation, heart rate and you are on your way!  Upon completing your workout, the data is saved so you can easily replicate the program you just did the next time you want to do it.  A data export allows for easy charting and graphing of performance to make sure you are reaching your fitness goals.  For more details, check out this quick video, then head on into the store for a live demo!

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Looking for the latest equipment that you can pack up and take to the park this summer?  Then you’ve got to check out the Human Trainer Versatility Kit by Astone Fitness.

The Human Trainer utilizes your bodyweight as resistance to perform nearly any exercise you can imagine.  You can easily adjust the intensity of the exercise by changing your body position to make the movement more or less aggressive.  Check out this video for a glimpse at some of exercises that you can perform using the Human Trainer:

Best of all, the Human Trainer Versatility Kit is in stock now.

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

If you are like me, you get bored quite quickly with the typical programs available on most elliptical trainers.  Hills, Fat Burn, etc. They are all variations of resistance change.  X-Mode is something different, something better.  X-Mode offers a variation of body positions, resistance levels, directions, and focuses that make it exciting and get rid of the typical elliptical boredom.

Octane Q37ci

I am impatient.  I’ll admit that.  Looking at a countdown timer that started at 30:00 and slowly makes it’s way to 25:00 and then to 20:00 is hard for me to keep mentally involved in my workout.  That is what I love about X-Mode.  It gives me a short 1:00 countdown for the particular segment that I am in.  The next minute is something different, and the next.  With the constant change in workout, the time flies by and I am able to remain focused and push myself to really get the most from my workout.

If you have never had a chance to do an X-Mode workout, come down to the store and we will set you up to try it on a great Octane elliptical.  See you soon!

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

With fall fast approaching and the kids heading back to school soon, it’s time to go though the great selection of spin bike options available.  The days are getting shorter and the nice weather for riding to work in Portland will be going away.  Don’t let that keep you from maintaining the great shape you have gotten yourself into over the summer!  Keep your momentum with a quality spin bike for home use. If you are a person who is ready to find the perfect spin bike for you, here is a overview of the best spin bikes we carry for Fall 2011.

LeMond Revmaster Pro

At the top of the list is the defending best buy champion, the Revmaster Pro (MSRP $1395) by LeMond Fitness -a solid, durable spin bike with a great feel and tremendous adjust-ability.  Whether you are 4’8″ or 6’8″ the Revmaster Pro has you covered.  It has easy to use levers for height adjustments on the seat and handlebar, along with easy for and aft adjustments for optimizing the setup for your size.  LeMond also offers a unique leather resistance system that gives a quiet smooth ride even under a heavy resistance load.  Optional clip pedals and the “Pilot II” fitness computer outfit this bike with all the bells and whistles.  As a multiple award winner, and the industry standard, the LeMond Revmaster Pro is a must try for any spin bike shopper.

Sportop CB8500

A newcomer to the US, the Sportop CB8500 has come up with a similar design to the Revmaster Pro.  With similar oval tubing and a heavy frame, it offers a similar feel but with a felt pad resistance rather than the leather.  The CB8500 has a slightly shorter range of adjust-ability, fitting users from 5’4″-6’6″, but comes fully equipped with the clip pedals and fitness computer for only $1395.  This bike is a great value if you like the LeMond but don’t need the added adjust-ability and want to save a few hundred dollars.

Waters Tsunami Sport

If you are looking to get yourself into the under $1000 range, the Waters Fitness Tsunami Sport is your best bet.  It offers an extremely heavy flywheel at 50 lbs, and a full commercial frame to take a beating.  With a smooth felt pad resistance system and poly-v drive belt, it is just as comfortable to ride as the higher priced models – you can feel the quality. There is a little less adjust-ability to the Sport, but if you are the only user and don’t require frequent adjustments, the Waters Tsunami Sport is a great value and can be equipped with optional clip pedals and Tsunami fitness computer without breaking the bank.

Waters Tsunami Elite

The most unique option in the category is the new Waters Tsunami Elite.  This bike offers a magnetic resistance system and the ability to run programs.  With nearly all other spin bikes, resistance adjustments are made manually via a turn-knob.  The Elite comes with a fitness computer that includes 17 programs and tracks all of your basic time, distance, and calorie statistics.  The most impressive charactoristic is how quiet the magnetic resistance is.  It gives a tremendously smooth feel and is absolutely silent in operation due to the fact that there is no friction.  Smooth and quiet, the Waters Tsunami Elite is a must try!

Schwinn IC-2 Home Spin Bike

On the horizon (available mid September 2011) is a new offering from Schwinn Fitness – one of the biggest names in bikes.  Schwinn will unveil the new IC-2 home spinner.  This is a scaled down version of the old spin bikes.  It will be a little louder than the rest due to its chain drive, but if you want a bike for $500 or less, this is the one to get.  If you want to pre-order one of these models, they are on sale now at nwfitnessportland.com at the pre-sale price of $399.

As you can see there are a ton of great spin bikes available at Northwest Fitness.  We have only highlighted a few.  The best way to determine which is the bike for you is to come down to our store and try before you buy.  See you soon!