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

Sales Director

We offer a BEST PRICE GUARANTEE! That means if you find a lower price on the exact same product, we will match or beat the price! Plus, the fact that we are local and offer service, you can rest assured that you will have the best ownership experience possible if there is ever a problem with your equipment.

We offer our products at our best price EVERY DAY, and GUARANTEE the BEST PRICE for 30 days after you make your purchase, so you can be sure you are making a great decision!

When you come into our store, we can show you all of the equipment options. We let you try the equipment with a knowledgeable salesperson to assist you in finding the best product for your needs. Once we have found the best product, we are happy to search the internet with you to make sure you are getting the best price!

In the market for a new piece of fitness equipment for your home or business? Visit our store today!

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

Sales Director

I talk to a lot of customers about how they can BEST set themselves up to succeed in an at home fitness program. There are 5 essential things to consider. Take these factors into consideration, and you increase your chances of sticking with your program incrementally!

1. Product Selection

People ask “What is the ‘best’ piece of equipment to get?” Unfortunately there is no single answer that fits all situations. To get a fully rounded fitness program going, you want to have the ability to work both cardio and strength. Cardio options include treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and the like. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. In short, get what you like using. It really doesn’t matter if you burn a few more calories on one piece or the other if you don’t use it, so get what you will use! For strength, you can go as simple as a few dumbbells or kettlebells, or as elaborate as a full multi-station home gym. Again, determine the way you like to strength train and get the equipment that you are most likely to enjoy using.

2. In Home Placement

Many people think, “I’ll put it in the garage!” Nothing could be more detrimental to your success. In the winter time, the garage is almost as cold as going outside, in the summer it can be too hot! Since most people workout in the morning or evening due to schedules, the temperature of the garage tends to keep people from going out there to get their workout in. For best results, create a space inside the home that is climate controlled and inviting.

3. Entertainment

Get a television in your workout room! Whether you like watching sports center, the batchelor, or biggest loser, combining your tv time with workout time will give you the best chance of creating a habit. For me – it’s morning sports center while sprint training on the treadmill, followed by strength training on my functional trainer. If you are not a tv person, set yourself up to read or listen to music that motivates you to get moving!

4. Motivation

Track your workouts. There are many ways to do this from keeping your statistics in a journal to great apps that offer tremendous feedback. Monitor your heart rate and push yourself by making improvement a priority. Some of the new cardio equipment consoles have this technology embedded and automatically track your progress for you. If you need this technology to keep track of your progress, spend the extra money to get the features you need to motivate you. Another great thing to do is set up a contest or weekly check in with a friend or family member to review the last week’s workouts. Having someone to answer to will help motivate you to stick with it.

5. Buy Quality Equipment

Many people want to “just get something cheap on craigslist.” Nothing will kill your workout program faster than poor quality equipment. Unfortunately craigslist is full of junk! I study craigslist everyday to find QUALITY used products to sell at our store – 99% of the listings are the low-end products from sears or costco that people bought before reading this article. Low end machines are typically unstable, not smooth, and break down frequently with limited local support to repair them. If you are on a tight budget, it is better to buy a QUALITY used piece from a store like us – who will back it up with a service and labor warranty than guessing about whether something on craigslist is worthwhile.

Hopefully this will help you get set up for success in your at home fitness program. If you are in need of QUALITY equipment, contact us to work with our experienced sales consultants and determine the best products for your specific needs, space constraints, and budget. We will help educate you, allow you to try a wide variety of products, and help you put together a program for at home fitness success with no pressure!

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

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!

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”.

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

As with most things in life today, we start our shopping online. We read plenty of reviews, browse web stores, and try to determine what product is the best one in the price range our budget allows. It’s great that so much information is at our fingertips and we can use our time so efficiently.

There are a few problems with shopping for an elliptical online. Here are a few things to consider if you are looking to buy one:

1. The MOST important thing to know about ellipticals is they all feel SO DIFFERENT! Without the opportunity to get on the machine, it us hard to know if it will fit you right!

Octane Q37ci

2. Many of the reviews online are not an accurate portrayal of the real product. Several “online only” brands own and manage review sites and even pay reviewers for high marks through “affiliate” programs.

3. It is not easy to return an item once you bought it online. Even with a “money back guarantee” the fine print often states that you must repackage the equipment in the original box and ship it back at your own expense!

Don’t get me wrong, online research is great, but when it comes to buying an elliptical, go to a dealer that let’s you try before you buy!