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

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

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…

jeff@nwfitnessportland.com

By Jeff Hahn
Sales Director

Buying fitness equipment is not like buying a TV. If you think the best deal means heading to Costco, Best Buy, or even your big box sporting goods store, I suggest you read this post. Here are four key things (often overlooked) to consider when deciding where to buy your fitness equipment.

The first thing to consider when buying fitness equipment is if the equipment is right for you.  At many “Big Box Retailers”, you will find a display of an assembled machine (normally not plugged in or ready for use) and a stack of the machines in boxes that you can load onto your cart. You may find a sales associate, but it is rare that you find one that knows much about the fitness equipment.

At your local fitness dealer, you will find knowledgeable employees who can help you find the piece of equipment that best suits your needs. They also have the equipment plugged in and ready to test out. You can TRY BEFORE YOU BUY to make sure you are getting the right machine!

Try before you buy from a large selection!

The second thing to consider when buying fitness equipment is who will install your equipment.  At the “Big Box Retailers”, you will be expected to take the machine home (hope you have a pickup truck), be able to take the machine up or downstairs (wherever you decide to place the equipment in your home), and assemble the machine correctly (assuming you have the right tools and are a fairly handy person). For an additional fee, they may hire out to a third party delivery company who delivers everything from tv’s to furniture (not exactly fitness equipment experts).

At your local fitness dealer, you will find experienced professionals who deliver and assemble fitness equipment properly every day. They know the best way to get your machine up or down your stairs without damaging your home. They also know how to assemble the machine and make the needed adjustments to ensure that your equipment will operate properly for a long time.

The third thing to consider when buying fitness equipment is who will service your equipment in the future.  At the “Big Box Retailers”, most don’t offer in-home service. Most don’t even have a service department. The best you can hope for is getting a nice person to answer the 1-800 number for the manufacturer. The nice person will hopefully refer you to a third party locally who offers repairs and maintenance on your brand of machine.

At your local fitness dealer, you will find experienced professionals who will come to your home and are trained to diagnose and repair any problems you come across. All you do is call the friendly face you bought the machine from.

The fourth thing to consider when buying fitness equipment is who will move your equipment should you ever move.  At the “Big Box Retailers”, you will not find a moving service. You will call a moving company and they will show up the day of the move and tell you that they do not know how to disassemble or move your equipment. This will put you into a panic because you have to be out in 2 days and now you are stuck trying to do it yourself because there is no time to find someone else.

Your Local Fitness Experts!

At your local fitness dealer, you make one phone call to the friendly face you bought the machine from. For a reasonable price, the same experienced professionals who delivered your equipment will disassemble your machine, move it to your new place, and reassemble it for you there. If you are moving far away, they will disassemble and pack it, then help you find a local dealer to reassemble your equipment in your new town.

As you can see, there is a lot more to buying fitness equipment than you might think.  When you look at what really matters, service is the key.  From helping you find the right equipment, to delivery, repairs and moves – your local Northwest Fitness Store is the best place to buy!