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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Spring has sprung and we have refreshed our sales floor to add SportsArt Fitness products.  SportsArt Fitness is a local company offering products from their main warehouse located in Fife, WA near Tacoma.  We are very excited to add these products to our current mix offering additional styles of elliptical trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, and treadmills.  SportsArt is know in the fitness industry as a company that provides cutting edge products at reasonable prices with outstanding features and warranties. see all products

SportsArt T631 Treadmill

SportsArt Fitness treadmills have some unique advantages and outstanding capabilities.  We have chosen to floor the T631 and T621 models.  The T631 comes with an outstanding “Lifetime Frame & Mechanical Parts, 7 Years Electronics, 1 Year Labor” warranty.  It is also powered by their exclusive 4.0HP Eco-PowrTM drive system that saves energy, requires no maintenance, and delivers powerful performance from 0.1-12mph.  Both the T631 and T621 come with the MyFlexTM cushioning system and a large 22″w x 61″l running area constructed from a unique carbon weave material that is resistant to static buildup.  While both machines are built to take a pounding, the T631 allows for users up to 450lbs, and the T621 up to 400lbs.  The T631 has iPod connectivity built in, and both have a wide array of programs available.

SportsArt E830 Elliptical

SportsArt Fitness elliptical trainers have a unique rear-drive design that offers a wide range of stride lengths not seen in most other elliptical brands.  The E822 is one of the top selling models and offers a manually adjusted stride length from 18″-25.5″ to fit users of all heights.  The SportsArt ellipticals also offer a unique MyFlexTM pedal cushioning that softens each step to reduce the chance of your feet falling asleep.  The E830 model offers the longest stride length adjustment of any elliptical on the market from 17″-29″ and the adjustment is made electronically with just the push of a button.  With a user limit of 450 lbs. and an outstanding “Lifetime Frame & Mechanical Parts, 7 Years Electronics, 1 Year Labor” warranty, the E830 is an outstanding workhorse.

SportsArt C532r Recumbent

SportsArt exercise bikes have been winning awards for several years.  The C532r and C532u are leaders in their categories when it comes to warranty, comfort, adjust-ability, and feel.  Fitness Professor Reviews just rated the C532r – Head of Class for Recumbent Bikes at any price for the fifth year in a row!  Both bikes come with the outstanding “Lifetime Frame & Mechanical Parts, 7 Years Electronics, 1 Year Labor” warranty and have a 450lb. max user rating.  Both bikes are also self-generating for power – which means you are actually creating the power required to run the unit.

Come down to the store and give these outstanding SportsArt products a try!

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Kettlebells

Looking for Cross-Fit type products for use at your home?  We have them!  We are now carrying bumper plates, squat stands, olympic bars, kettlebells, pullup bars, pullup assist bands, medicine balls, plyo-boxes, and more!  Come to the store and check out the best local selection of these items!  Don’t forget to “like” us on facebook for a money saving coupon on these items!

Huge selections of products in stock and ready for you to take home.  No need to wait or pay shipping!

Bumper Plates

Continue reading »]]> By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

You were up late last night flipping through the channels and saw the infomercial about the Bowflex Treadclimber.  The great thing about that is you are now inspired to make a life change and get into shape.  The problem is, nobody has the Treadclimber on display for you to try before you buy.  Is that by design?  Hmmmmm….

The Treadclimber is only sold through the tv and online advertisements.  The reason why is that they really don’t want you to try it before buying it.  It is an impulse decision based on their infomercial, and by the time you have unpacked it, lugged it up your stairs, put it together and used it, there is no way you will pack it back into the original packaging and pay the freight to send it back.  Another clothes-hanger SOLD!  Hence, the reason you see so many of them on Craigs List.

The infomercial would lead you to believe that you are doing more work and burning more calories than using a “regular” treadmill.  The reality is that they are comparing to a treadmill at zero elevation.  If you use a regular treadmill at a similar level of elevation to the treadclimber, you will burn the same amount of calories.  The fact that the “treadal” (their term for treadmill/pedal) starts at an elevation and depresses to flat makes no real difference in what you are doing compared to a regular treadmill at elevation.  What it does add are a couple problems for treadclimber owners.

The first problem created by the “treadals” is they force the user to spread their feet in order to land on the center of the belts.  If you put paint on the bottom of your shoes and walked, your feet want to slightly overlap – which the “treadals” will not allow (otherwise you would miss the landing spot).  By forcing you to walk with a wider than natural stance, you are causing undue joint stress on the knees, hips and ankles with each step to overcompensate for the width of the stance.

The second problem is the mechanism that creates the “treadal” movement.  They use an adjustable shock (similar to the trunk of a car) to make the “treadal” drop down and come back to the elevation.  I can’t tell you how many people call me asking how to fix the many problems they have with this mechanism. They bottom out making excessive noise, and they are a piece that will need to be replaced occasionally if you buy one of these units.

As for the workout it gives, the treadclimber is very limited in its ability to work you hard.  Most treadmills have a top speed of 10-12 mph.  The max speed of the treadclimber is 4 or 4.5mph depending on the model.  So when you buy the treadclimber you are not going to be able to do any running or jogging.  Also the belts are not long enough to allow for a running stride.

6 week results guarantee!  Hope you read the fine print.  What the guarantee states is that you can return the machine within the 6 weeks, but the machine must be returned in like new condition and in the original packaging.  Also the refund amount is less the shipping ($199 each way) and assembly fees.  If you paid extra to have it assembled, guess what – you are going to pay someone again to disassemble.  Not exactly as “risk free” as they make it sound now, is it?

Finally, there are currently 3 treadclimber models available.  The TC5 ($999) comes with a 1 year warranty. Comparable treadmills in the same price range come with 3 yrs parts, 1 yr labor.  The TC10 ($2199) comes with a 2 year warranty. Comparable treadmills in the same price range come with 5 yrs parts, 2 yrs labor.  The TC20 ($3299) comes with a 3 year warranty. Comparable treadmills in the same price range come with a LIFETIME parts warranty.  What does that tell you?  Also – you will have a hard time finding someone to work on it if you do have an issue.

Save yourself some time, money, and aggravation.  Come “try before you buy” a regular treadmill or elliptical today – skip the gimmick that claims to be both!

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

If you are looking for the ultimate weight training station, this is it!  The Hoist PTS system is a unique, patented system that has several optional components and can be configured to meet your exact needs.  It is equipped with safety, convenience, and efficient use of space in mind.  Hoist equipment is known industry wide for being durable, high quality, and easy to operate.  In this blog we will take a look at what makes the Hoist PTS system the top dog in the world of dual action smith machines combined with functional trainers.

Hoist PTS 1000

What is a dual action smith?  The Hoist PTS-1000 is the dual action smith component.  It looks similar to a squat cage, but has the olympic bar built into vertical guide rods that operate like a smith machine.  The difference is they have a horizontal free range of motion, so you are not locked into a completely straight up and down motion or a 7 degree as most smith machines are.  This way you are still able to move in your natural range of motion reducing joint stress and increasing stabilization muscle activity.  The cage setup offers convenient racking on either the front or the back with an adjustable safety bar to make sure you can still go heavy while working out by yourself.  This is the best way to do your incline, decline, military, bench press, squats, lunges, dead lifts and more. MSRP $2699.  Add the HF-4165 multi-position bench for $499.

Hoist PTS-ENS1

When you add the PTS-LAT and a bench to the PTS-1000, it becomes the PTS Ensemble 1.  The PTS-LAT is a lat pull (high pulley) and a split low row (low pulley) that bolts onto the back of the PTS-1000.  Both systems are driven by a 200lb. weight stack.  This makes your dual action smith much more useful offering lat pulls, tricep push downs, single arm crossovers, seated row, bicep curl, upright rows, inner/outer thigh, and more off of the high and low pulleys. The PTS-ENS1 is MSRP $4699.88 and includes the PTS-1000, PTS-LAT and HF-4165 bench.

Hoist PTS-ENS2

Another option is to add the PST-HI/LO.  The HI/LO add on is like bolting a functional trainer to the front of the PTS 1000.  You have two 150lb. weight stacks that offer a cable on each side that is fully adjustable floor to ceiling.  These are incredibly useful for doing a multitude of exercises.  Most of these exercises are done while standing, incorporating balance and core while working specific muscles as well.  There is also a great pullup bar connecting the two stacks.  With the pullup bar, the HI/LO can become your lat pull by doing assisted pullups.  Simply connect the squat belt to both sides of the functional trainer, step onto the squat belt and the weight stacks will help you get pullup reps you need!  When you add the PTS-Hi/LO and HF-4165 bench to the PTS-1000 it becomes the PTS-ENS2.  MSRP $5599.98.

Hoist PTS-ENS3

The final option is to combine all 3 components forming the ultimate home gym, the Hoist PTS-ENS3.  This combines the Hoist PTS-1000, Hoist PTS-LAT, and Hoist PTS-HI/LO with a HF-4165 multi purpose bench.  MSRP $6599.98   With the PTS-ENS3, there is nothing you can’t do.  If you want to experience the Hoist PTS system for yourself, I invite you to come into our showroom ready to do some work.  Our highly trained sales staff will help you put the PTS through the paces and give you a great workout.

For more info on purchasing the Hoist PTS, click here!

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

The Bodyguard T460XC has won the Fitness Professor “Head of Class” any price range for the last 2 years in a row.  Let’s take a look at what makes this treadmill a superior choice to some of the other big names in the industry:

The first things you notice when you walk up to the Bodyguard T460XC are the ergonomics and attention to detail.  This treadmill just sets up a little better than most, and was well thought out for runners especially.  The contact heartrate sensors are put in an ergonomically correct position.  The navigation keys you use the most are right there for you to use – and they are made of more costly and durable silicone keys. The hand rails are set wide so you don’t have to worry about banging the back of your hand when you are running.

The console is easy to read and well lit.  The information is all displayed, and it is intuitive to get to the program you want.  There are several “hot keys” for instant elevation and speed changes and even an “a”/”b” for two customized speeds allowing simple one touch intervals (no more trying to depress the speed down arrow while sprinting at 9 mph!)  My favorite program is the “Turbo Training” which offers an extreme sprint interval.  With this program, it only takes a couple seconds to go from 3.5-9mph.  With most treadmills that takes 20-30 seconds to get up to speed.  “Turbo Training” allows for true intervals with an outdoor running accelleration.

T460XC

The nuts and bolts begin with a solid X-Frame design that reduces torsion and flex coupled with the BDS+ cushioning system.  You will find the most stable, solid feel of any treadmill with this system.  The T460XC is equipped with a premium orthopedic belt and 4 way deck for optimum feel and durablilty.  The oversized 22″x60″ running area allows ample room for even taller runners.  If you are training for outdoor running, the elevation system allows for a -3% to 15% grade for the ultimate range of training more closely mimicking your 5K or 10K course.

The 3.4HP palladrine motor and drive electronics perform great, even for heavy users up to 400lbs.  The ESC (electronic stride control) system keeps the belt moving at exactly the right speed, even when in use at extreme elevations with heavy users.  The best part about the T460XC is their smart AFDS (advanced friction detection system) which monitors the amp draw and lets you know when it is time for maintenance.  That way you won’t burn up your components and it is based on a real monitoring system, not just a time or mileage estimate.  Because of this system, Bodyguard offers the best warranty in the industry – Lifetime Parts, 3 Years Labor!

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

How are you going to get your exercise this winter?  You have decided that you like the elliptical best, but how do you decide which one is best for you?  There are many misleading articles and reviews out there.  How do you find the truth?

Here is a common sense approach to making sure you make a good decision on purchasing your elliptical trainer:

FIT AND FEEL – The fit and feel of all elliptical trainers are different.  Whether its a front drive, rear drive, center drive or whatever kind of drive – it needs to feel good.  What makes for a good feeling elliptical in most cases is the bio-mechanics of the machine.  This is one category of research that can only be done in a store that has equipment on display for you to try out.  Go into the store dressed to workout.  Be prepared to spend 3-5 minutes on each of the machines they have to try.  Within this time there are several things to point out that will make a huge difference in how the machine works with your body.

Octane Q37ci

PEDAL SPACING A.K.A. “Q” FACTOR- Pedal spacing is critical to keeping your knees, hips and ankles in alignment when on an elliptical.  Imagine having paint on the bottom of your shoes and walking in a straight line.  If you were to measure the distance between your feet – it is minimal.  In fact, the faster you move, the more your feet want to naturally overlap one another.  While this is not possible on an elliptical because the pedals have to clear one another, the closer the pedals are together, the more comfortable it will feel.  Keeping your joints in proper alignment keeps you from stressing your tendons and wearing on your cartilage.  Many of the smaller footprint and cheaper machines have a very wide pedal spacing of 4″-6″.  What you want is as narrow as possible!

STRIDE LENGTH – Many articles say look for a XX” stride length.  The reality is we are all different sized and have different leg lengths.  You may be shorter but have longer legs and enjoy a longer stride than most people your height.  As a general rule of thumb, 19″-21″ seems to be the sweet spot for most people.  There are also now brands offering an adjustable stride length.  This can be especially useful when you have members of the family that are very different in height.  While some are a manual adjustment (you physically pull a knob and make an adjustment while the machine is not in use), others are an electronic adjustment that allows you to push a button and adjust stride while the machine is in use.  If you end up going with an adjustable stride, make sure it is easy to adjust and well made so it doesn’t result in just being another thing to break on your elliptical.  Again, the most important thing is that the stride length is comfortable and feels good while you are using the machine!

Vision Fitness S70

UPPER BODY – Definitely get something with an upper body component!  This is another thing to pay close attention to the fit and feel of.  The upper body component on many machines is not very comfortable.  Oftentimes the arms are very wide and move more than they should causing a tugging and twisting of the back while in use.  Look for something with a converging hand-path or multi-grip handlebars to maximize flexibility and comfort while in use.  Again, get on the machine and make sure you don’t feel like you are being tugged or pulled in an unnatural position.

PROGRAMMING – There is everything available from manual programs that adjust with the push of a button to interactive heart rate training that optimizes the resistance to keep you within your ideal training zone.  With the flexibility of how ellipticals have changed exercise there are several new methods such as Octane Fitness‘ workout boosters and cross circuit programming and Vision Fitness‘ Sprint8 program.  Both of these workouts will push you to maximum results with new methods that keep you from getting bored.  What it really comes down to is buy what you will use.  If you like to do it yourself, go minimalist.  If you like having lots of options – splurge.  If you buy quality you will likely have the machine for 10 years or more.

SPACE CONSIDERATIONS – For an elliptical to work properly with your body, the minimum floorprint is about 5′ long by 3′ wide.  Most of the machines available are less than 7′ long, but if you plan for 7′x3′ you are pretty safe.  The so-called mini ellipticals are not a true elliptical range of motion and in some cases are so flawed they can injure the user.  Another thing you want to think about with ellipticals is ceiling height.  If you have a low basement ceiling (7′ or less), it really limits your options.  Octane is the best for basements – only adding 6″ to your standing height.  Some brands will add as much as 18″ to your height.

Well that is about as much info as we can give you without coming down and trying them out to find out which brand fits you best.  See you soon!

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

As Black Friday approaches and most retailers are getting ready to spend tons of money on advertising, absorb the additional overhead to be open odd hours, and show huge discounts – it brings up an important question: What is an MSRP?  Is it really a price that the product was ever sold for?  Is that 50% off really a half-price “deal”?  Is it worth getting up at midnight to shop ’till you drop?  Does it really make sense that stores are spending more money to get you to shop with them, while making less profit?  Let’s take a look at the reality of it all…

MSRP is an acronym for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.  It is the basis on which most retailers show a savings when an item is on sale.  It was created to standardize pricing and offer consumers an insight into what the value is of the product they are buying.  Unfortunately, MSRP’s can be easily manipulated by manufacturers to make their products look like they are a great savings to help the retailer sell more of their products.

In fitness equipment, there are not high margins like there are in electronics, clothing and jewelery.  If anyone is offering more than 10-20% off, it is simply an artificial MSRP.  Many of the companies in fitness equipment have gotten wise to what consumers are seeing in other products.  Why fight it, just blow the MSRP into the stratosphere so the retailer can show a huge discount.  The margins required to run a business and offer services to consumers have not changed.

So the reality has become – most products are not sold at MSRP.  The brands you find in big box retailers showing MSRP $1299 Sale Price $499 would never sell at $1299.  Heck, they shouldn’t sell at $499 but the artificial MSRP makes you think you are getting a deal, and you might get suckered into buying it. Do you really think they are making less profit on that sale, really?  Of course they are making profit – and at their normal operating margins, otherwise they would go out of business!!!

Fitness equipment is specialized.  If you plan to use it, you need to buy quality.  If you want it to last you need to buy quality.  Quality products do not sell for the same price as cheap ones.  What you really need to determine is the VALUE of what you are purchasing.  What is the price you are paying, and is the product a value at that price relative to other products in the marketplace?  Is a product at that price-point going to meet your needs?  Is it going to be durable?  Is it going to perform the way you expect?  What are you going to do if it ever has a problem?

These are all questions that are much more important than what is the percentage discount you are receiving off the MSRP.  Come check out our products.  Our products are on display for you to use prior to purchasing.  The quality speaks for itself – and we offer delivery, assembly and service by experienced technicians who have done it many times before.

So before you fall into the trap of thinking 50% off is a great deal, think about this: Would you ever consider buying that product at the MSRP?  If not, then it probably isn’t really a “deal”.

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

You have decided it is time – time to take back your life and get back into shape.  You have decided it’s time for some real fitness equipment at home.  If you are serious about using the products you buy, let me give you the top 5 reasons why you should buy from a specialty dealer near you!

1. Your specialty dealer offers a wide variety of equipment that you can try before you buy!  That’s right – bring your shoes and come ready to put the equipment through the paces to make sure the machine(s) you select are right for you.
2. Your specialty dealer offers knowledgeable sales staff to answer your questions.  Unlike many big box shopping experiences, you will have someone who really knows their stuff help you with any questions you have about the equipment you are trying out.  That way, you are sure to get the right machine for your needs!
3. Your specialty dealer offers delivery and installation options.  These are things that are typically not offered or outsourced to a third party delivery company.  At your specialty dealer you are getting installation by true professionals who have done it many times before.  That way you know the equipment will be set up right!
4. Your specialty dealer offers quality brands that are not just disposables.  The brands sold at specialty fitness stores are much higher quality that the products found at mass merchants.  They perform more like gym quality equipment and the manufacturers support the products with replacement parts long after the warranty has expired.
5. Your specialty dealer offers service after the sale.  If  you do have a problem with your equipment, you simply call the store and talk to someone who is knowledgeable about your machine.  Then a trained technician can come to your house and perform any needed adjustments or repairs.

Wide selection of equipment to try before you buy!

While most shoppers never think about the long term, it is probably the most important part of your buying experience.  At Northwest Fitness we strive to offer the best products, best value, a welcoming try before you buy atmosphere, and the highest level of customer service during and after the sale.  Those are things you will NEVER find at a big box store or on the internet!  Come see us today…

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jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

We all have good intentions when it comes to being healthy and fit.  We watch what we eat, and try to get to the gym.  The problem is, we have lives!  Work, family, taking the kids to soccer practice…with all of the responsibility that most of us have, it is nearly impossible to make the time needed to really succeed in taking care of ourselves.

Have you ever done the math?  If you live 15 minutes from your gym, and it takes you 15 minutes to change clothes and get ready to workout, then another 15 to shower and get dressed after you workout, and 15 more to get back home, that’s an hour per day spent on “getting to the gym”.  Once you are at the gym, you have to find your rythm and sometimes wait to get on the right cardio piece, or run through your circuit of weights.  Maybe you take a Zumba class or Spin class.  The average person spends one hour actually working out.  So now we have 2 hours invested.

The average person who works out, does so 3-4 times per week – so we will average that at 3.5 days times 2 hours per day times 52 weeks per year.  Is your calculator working?  That is 364 hours per year devoted to working out.  Equvalent to 45.5 full 8 hour work days!  In other words, 2.25 work months of your time spent trying to take care of you.  No wonder it is hard to do that with all the distractions and life getting in the way!

Octane Q37ci in Cross Circuit mode

So how do you cut down the time and increase your chances of successfully making time and sticking with a fitness program?  The ONLY way for most of us is to do it at home.  Think about it…eliminate the 30 minutes there and back – eliminate the 15 minutes changing clothes, and shower on your own time in your own shower when you are done.  We have just cut the time investment in half. 

Now for the best part: MAKE YOUR WORKOUT PART OF SOMETHING YOU WOULD BE DOING ANYWAY!!!  If you wake up to SportsCenter, jump on your Landice Treadmill at your house then use your Vectra 1450 machine for a quick full body weight routine!  If you get home in the afternoon and watch Ellen, do that while using the Cross Circuit program on your Octane Elliptical.

Making fitness part of your day instead of trying to make your day have a “fitness part” is the key.  Whatever your crazy life brings, get the piece of equipment or two that you need, and invest in your time and health.  When you pay yourself back the time saved by having equipment at home, you will agree it’s an investment you have to make.

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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!