Dazadi.com Blog

Medicine Balls: Adding a Little Weight to Your Workout

August 21st, 2009

Medicine balls, not to be confused with exercise balls, are small weighted balls, which can be added to several exercise and physical therapy routines. Often called med balls, weighted balls, toning balls, or fitness balls, modern medicine ball training can help improve muscle strength and tone, core strength, flexibility, coordination and more. They come in weights ranging anywhere from 2 pounds to 30 pounds and can be made out of many different materials with a wide range of features to fit every workout. While medicine balls are commonplace in a gym for physical fitness, they are also very popular amongst physical therapy professionals. Patients can use medicine balls to strengthen weaker parts of the body for proper rehabilitation and function.

Today, there are several options available when buying a medicine ball. Luckily there are only a few things a savvy consumer needs to keep in mind when shopping:

  • Weight: Weight is arguably the most important factor that should be kept in mind. A heavier ball isn’t always the most effective. The goal is to find a medicine ball that provides just enough resistance to slow you down when lifting without creating too much of a struggle. This, of course, will depend on your level of strength. If you’re just beginning, it may be a good idea to start out with a ball in the 1-5 pound range. Keep in mind that most exercises require you to hold the ball in front of you or lift it overhead. If you’re unsure of what to buy, try getting more than one. This way you can increase as you become stronger, and it will allow you to have multiple weighted medicine balls you can choose from depending on the part of your body you’re working on. Dazadi offers a selection of medicine ball sets such as the FitBALL Medicine Ball Set, which offers you 6 various sized medicine balls in one simple purchase.
  • Cover: You can find medicine balls with many different types of covers such as rubber, vinyl, or leather. The surface of the ball can greatly affect the type of grip you get on the ball while in use. Whether you want a textured ball for superior grip like the JFit Premium Rubberized Medicine Ball, or a softer leather covered ball like the Champion Sports Leather Medicine Ball, at Dazadi you can find just about any type of ball to fit your comfort level and routine.
  • Core: The type of core a medicine ball has affects the type of exercises you can perform. For a ball that can bounce, try a hollow rubber ball. Thrusting a ball against a surface can help you build arm strength and muscle tone. Balls with a soft gel or sand filled core, such as the FitBall Soft Meds, help you get a firm grasp on the ball and are a softer alternative if you are passing a medicine ball back and forth.
  • Additional Options: Some medicine balls come equipped with specific options for ease of use. The most popular is the handle. Some balls come with handles built right into the construction of the ball like the JFit Premium Handle Medicine Ball, while others, like the FitBALL Medicine Ball with Straps, come with adjustable Velcro handles that can be strapped to your hands or legs for the ultimate grip. The Champion Sports Equipped Medicine Ball has a long rope firmly planted into the ball, so you can swing, chop, and throw the ball with security.

Simple exercises include holding a ball against your chest while doing sit-ups. This adds more weight forcing you to use more core muscles. You can also stand and hold the ball at your waist. Then simply lift the ball straight out in front of you and lower it. You can also lift it overhead. Combining the use of a medicine ball with an exercise ball is also extremely effective. You can sit up straight on an exercise ball, hold the ball at chest level, and twist slowly from side to side. This will help you strengthen your core and side abdominals. Or, with a partner stand a few feet apart facing each other. Hold the ball at chest level and thrust it back and forth. This will help build arm and chest strength while helping you work on explosiveness. The amount and type of exercises you can perform with a medicine ball are extensive. So, speak to a fitness professional, do an internet search for fun and effective workouts, and find an exercise that works for you.

Adding a medicine ball to your workout can also help you bring some fun and creativity into your routine. With tons of exercises available, you’ll be sure to find one that is not only effective, but something you look forward to doing everyday. Remember to find a ball that works for you and creates just enough challenge to slow your movement down a little. You’ll come to love how these little weighted balls keep you strong, toned, and in shape!

Indoor Trails: The Benefits of a Stationary Exercise Bike

August 17th, 2009

A brisk bike ride will exercise your calves, thighs and buttocks, increase your metabolism and offer an exceptional cardiovascular workout. However, not everyone has the time or the ability to bike through the mountains, around the beach or on a trail. The stationary exercise bike provides a comprehensive cardiovascular and calorie-burning workout with adjustable resistance, exercise programs and workout feedback. Also, a stationary bike allows you train from the privacy of your own home.

It is important when shopping for an exercise bike, that you consider factors such as comfort, adjustability, settings and information displayed. If you’re going to invest in a home gym, you’ll want to purchase the exercise equipment that meets your personal fitness needs.

There are two basic types of exercise bikes:

  • The Upright Exercise Bike:  Offers cardiovascular and strength-building exercise that increases your metabolism for more efficient calorie and fat burning. By increasing your heart rate and working your lower body, you burn fat, strengthen and tone. The upright bike allows you to stand up, just as you would on a traditional mountain bike. In this position, you can increase the pace and intensity of your pedaling for a more concentrated workout. The upright bicycle also occupies minimal floor space and can be more conveniently stored. Dazadi offers a wide variety of options, from the more economical Stamina Magnetic Upright Bike (with quiet magnetic resistance, adjustable seat and one-button control) to the FreeMotion Upright c7.7 (with 20 levels of resistance, built-in workout programs and integrated entertainment features).
  • The Recumbent Exercise Bike: Workout in semi-reclined position so you can strengthen aand tone the muscles in your hips, thighs and buttocks while protecting your lower back. This type of bike offers an effective low-impact workout to those who require increased support or desire enhanced comfort. With this type of equipment, you don’t get the same level of workout intensity that an upright bike provides. The Stamina Air Fusion Recumbent Bike is an economically priced option that offers wind resistance, dial tension control and a cushioned, meticulously aligned seat. The Stamina Magnetic Fusion 4545, Star Trac 4710 and LifeCore LC800RB offer smooth, quiet resistance and walk-through designs for an easier mount and dismount. Recumbent bikes are ideal for physical therapy because they offer low-impact, safe and effective workouts.

Comfort: An adjustable seat, handlebars and foot pedals are key for comfort and proper positioning. If you require improved lower back support, you’ll want to find a bike (most likely recumbent) that fits both your individual fitness and physical needs. The Star Trac 8730 with Arm Rests provides incredible comfort and support with a reclining back pad and swing away arm rests to enhance posture for a tension-free workout. The Stamina Magnetic Fusion 7250 features a padded, oversized adjustable seat that is molded for proper, comfortable form. This seat slides at a 45 degree leg angle to reduce stress on hips and joints and includes an aluminum seat rail with rollers for smooth seat adjustment. The weighted pedals features adjustable foot straps to work legs on upward and downward strokes and the integrated handlebars provide stability and support.

Resistance: There are two basic types of adjustable resistance. The more cheaply priced models use a tension belt. This method, while effective, is not as quiet or smooth as the alternative, magnetic resistance. Dazadi carries several magnetic resistance and magnetic fusion bikes that offer smooth pedaling and outstanding exercise benefits. The Stamina Magnetic Fusion Bikes, such as the Stamina 7100 offers smooth, quiet freewheel resistance that combines the biking feel of an upright with the comfort of a recumbent. This fusion exercise bike provides 8-level magnetic resistance which you control using the easy-to-reach tension dial. This adjustable tension capability allows you to determine the intensity of your workout. The FreeMotion Upright c7.7 features 20-levels of the custom-designed Electromagnetic Resistance System (ERS) that applies consistent resistance to the flywheel for low-impact workout that effectively targets individual fitness needs.  The QuickTouch feature allows you to adjust your exercise intensity or workout program at the simple touch of a button so you can simply and accurately target your individual goals. And, the Stamina Air Fusion 4525 innovatively combines air resistance with dial tension control for the biking feel of the upright with the comfort of the recumbent.

Heart Rate Monitoring: Monitoring your heart rate is crucial to an effective workout. Most exercise bikes have workout programs that are pulse-driven. Pulse can be assessed through an integrated pulse grip within the handlebars or through a telemetry strap. Most bikes offered on Dazadi.com feature integrated pulse monitors. The Kettler Me! Upright Bike, Lifecore LC900 and Star Trac 8620 are great options for accurate measuring and an efficient workout.

Built-In Workout Programs and Display Feedback:  Built-in workout programs allow you to work through a number of proven, pre-set workouts or build your own according to your fitness preferences. Some programs adjust according to a maximum heart rate while others concentrate on fat-burning or distance-covered. There are even programs that mimic the experience of biking on hills and other rough terrain. The display console can read anything from your heart rate, speed and distance to the number of calories you’ve burned, your minutes per mile, etc. This constant feedback allows you to track your progress and work toward fitness goals. Dazadi.com recommends once again the Star Trac 8620, the Kettler RX7 Recumbent (with programs ranging from pulse-directed training to pre-set pulse range for fat burning and fitness zones) and the FreeMotion r7.7.

Get the most from your workout with an exercise bike that meets your fitness and comfort needs!

Elliptical Machines: A More Natural Stride

July 21st, 2009

An effective, low-impact total body workout can be difficult to achieve.  Not only is it hard to make the time to exercise, but the grueling exertion can be so unpleasant that we tend to skip the experience altogether.  The elliptical machine (also known as the Elliptical, Elliptical Crosstrainer and Elliptical Trainer) offers a uniquely versatile, comprehensive and less exhausting low-impact cardiovascular workout! Elliptical trainers feature an elongated elliptical stride motion that is more fluid, more natural and lower-impact. The elliptical provides a weight-bearing workout in which your feet never leave the pedals! This eliminates impact and minimizes stress on the joints, back and hips! Also, an elliptical allows you to work your arms and legs at the same time for a total body workout that doesn’t feel like one. The “Lower Perceived Rate of Exertion” means you’ve worked harder and burned more calories than you feel you have! There are many advantages to using an elliptical trainer and we at Dazadi offer an excellent selection from which to choose.

Some of the benefits of an elliptical crosstrainer include:

  • Low-Impact: Because your feet never leave the pedals, there is no impact on your joints or other stress areas. This is called a weight-bearing workout. An elliptical trainer effectively protects your back, hips and joints from the wear and tear of repeated force. The elliptical stride motion is also more fluid and more natural, so you experience a less demanding exercise session. ProForm, Kettler and StarTrac manufacture among the best elliptical models for their price range. StarTrac even carries recumbent models for increased back and lumbar support. Older users, users with arthritis and those looking for a more natural stride, would benefit from the comprehensive yet low-impact workout of an elliptical.
  • A Total Body Workout with Less Fatigue: Most ellipticals feature arm bars that offer upper body exercise. The resulting full body workout burns extra calories and works more muscles without added exhaustion. This is known as “Lower Perceived Rate of Exertion.” Because you feel like you’ve exercised less than you actually have- an elliptical trainer maximizes your workout gains with less fatigue. The ProForm Razor and FreeMotion ellipticals provide an exceptionally comfortable sweat-session.
  • Versatility: Elliptical machines often allow you to vary your workout resistance, incline, target muscle groups, stride length, stride direction and even your immediate fitness goals.  With so many options, you can work different muscles at different settings for maximum results. Work just your full body or just your legs; vary your stride length for enhanced crosstraining; change the resistance level and incline for greater calorie-burn.  The Stamina Extended Stride Length is incredibly versatile and effective. You’re less likely to hit an exercise plateau with an elliptical thanks to adjustable settings and various goal-oriented user programs.
  • Quieter: Good quality ellipticals like Kettler and FreeMotion will remain quiet at most intensity levels. Also, without constant footfall, the elliptical causes less pounding and machine movement.

Features to Look For:

  • Forward and Reverse Directions: Some ellipticals allow you to move both forward and in reverse. This variety means you can work different muscle groups, increase calorie-burn and maximize workout results. The added challenge lets you reach your fitness goals faster, without the frustration of an a no-results day, week or month.
  • Stride Length: Longer stride length more closely mimics a running motion and provides an overall better workout. A stride length of 18’’ or more (20’’ or more for optimal results) is considered more than sufficient. A higher quality machine with a longer, more effective stride length will prove itself a better investment. FreeMotion and StarTrac provide reasonable stride lengths.
  • Adjustable Resistance: The ability to adjust resistance level increases the number of calories burned and permits training at different levels. Continually challenging your body with higher resistance and interval training will allow you to reach your fitness goals faster and without exercise plateaus. Some ellipticals, like those from FreeMotion and Kettler offer one-touch fingertip control for ultimate convenience. Eddy-current resistance systems are the best and are usually found in high-end trainers.
  • Elliptical Incline: The ability to adjust the incline of the elliptical movement works different sets of muscles, increases calories burn and helps you to tone.
  • Display, Programs and Fun Features: A good display console will give you as much feedback as possible. Knowing where you are in your workout with regard to time elapsed, calories burned, heart rate and more can be extremely motivating and very valuable. Many consoles will allow you to adjust settings such as speed, resistance and incline at the touch of a button. Less set-up time means more workout time. Built-in workout programs help you focus on specific fitness goals. The ProForm GameFit even includes fitness games! With heart rate, crosstraining and even hill climbing programs, you get more than just a standard cardio workout. Some ellipticals even include iPOD and MP3 players docks as well as integrated speakers for added entertainment, motivation and convenience.

You also want to ensure that your machine features comfortable foot pedals, a decent heart rate monitoring system and good warranty. Remember, it’s extremely important to find an elliptical trainer that meets your fitness needs. The right elliptical will help you reach your fitness goals at your own pace and with less debilitating fatigue.

The Rowing Machine: Providing You With a Total-Body Workout

July 20th, 2009

Fitting in some workout time in an already busy schedule may seem like an impossible task. Then comes the problem of getting a great total body workout plus some cardiovascular training. Luckily, rowing machines are a great way to get the benefits of both workouts in a fun, effective, and low-impact way. They work your thighs, calves, arms, shoulders, and back while providing you with intense cardiovascular training. These great machines are easy to use and offer many options and features that allow users to get a personalized workout.

Rowing machines provide users with a great resistance-style workout. They require users to sit with their knees bent. They then push themselves backwards and pull themselves forward with the use of handles. Four different styles of rowing machines are available. Each generate resistance in a different way and have their own pros and cons. The four styles include hydraulic, magnetic, air, and water:

  • Hydraulic - Hydraulic or piston rowing machines are great for those who are concerned about space or are on a budget. These indoor rowers are the most compact and fold up, so you can store them in a closet or under a bed. The resistance from a hydraulic machine comes from the amount of air or water stored in a cylinder or piston. The main downside to a hydraulic machine is that you get a less accurate rowing experience. Try the Stamina Body Trac Glider Rowing Machine or the Stamina Precision Rowing Machine.
  • Magnetic - Magnetic rowing machines use a series of powerful electromagnets to control the resistance level. These machines are generally smoother and much quieter than an air, hydraulic, or water machine. They also often allow you to adjust the level of resistance. The main downside to magnetic machines is that they are difficult to store. They are perfect for home gyms, or any space that offers a permanent home for these larger machines. Try the Kettler Fitness Coach LS Rowing Machine or the Kettler Fitness X-Row E3 Rowing Machine.
  • Air or Flywheel - Air or flywheel rowing machines have a giant fan or flywheel that generates resistance. Air machines provide an accurate rowing experience and are often used by off-season rowers for year-round training. They are ideal for serious trainers and fitness gurus. Air machines are great because they allow you to control the resistance on your own. The harder you pull, the faster the fan spins, and the more resistance is created. The downside to air machines is that they are noisier than the rest of their counterparts, and they are difficult to store. Try the Stamina ATS Air Rowing Machine.
  • Water - Water rowing machines provide an accurate representation of actually rowing. These machines feature a tank where you add or subtract water, which allows you to control the amount of resistance. Much like actual rowing, the faster you row, the more resistance you create. Water machines also generate a soothing sound that is similar to actual rowing. The main downside to water machines is their footprint. They are large, difficult to store, and very heavy, so it is really only a good option if space permits it.

Rowing machines can also come with features such as speed controls, rowing functions, time, distance, and a display that shows the number of calories burned. Since rowing machines are available with so many options, you are sure to find a machine that works for you. So, stop wasting valuable time moving from machine to machine in hopes you’ll get a total body workout. Instead, spend a little time on one machine that targets your entire body. You’ll definitely appreciate all of the extra time you’ve created by simply changing your workout routine!

The Treadmill Advantage: Low-Impact Weight Loss

July 15th, 2009

Once used for the medical assessment of heart and lung health, the treadmill ultimately set the standard for low-impact aerobic exercise equipment.  An essential exercise tool for every health club and most home gyms, the treadmill offers improved strength, endurance and muscle tone with reduced impact on knees and joints. This low-impact fitness aid provides shock absorption so you enjoy a safe and comprehensive cardiovascular workout.  We at Dazadi offer a broad selection of treadmills, with a variety of workout programs, speed and incline ranges, safety features and entertainment options so you can get the most out of your treadmill workout.

Running or walking on a treadmill provides several advantages over regular running or jogging. With uneven and often slick surfaces, running or walking outdoors can cause stress on the ankles, knees and lower back. Most treadmill decks are shock absorbent to offer the same cardiovascular and calorie-burning benefits with less damage to joints and muscles.  Some FreeMotion treadmills include the sophisticated “Reflex Cushion Technology”, with a deck that responds to your movement and flexes to cushion every step for maximum protection. The FreeMotion t5.2 offers Comfort Step adjustable cushioning for your choice of firmer or softer support.

Treadmills offer a safe and highly effective way to increase muscle tone and shed pounds. Not only do these machines place speed and workout level adjustment at your fingertips, but many include incline settings for enhanced training capability. Incline settings allow you to run hills or trails in the convenience of your home gym and at different levels each session. Incline training is especially beneficial for calorie-burning and the development of lean muscle. Research indicates that walking at an incline of 18% or greater can improve your endurance and advance your fitness level three times faster than running at higher speeds with a zero incline. The FreeMotion X3 Incline Trainer (link) features “Quick Incline” adjustment that reaches an incline of up to 40% at the touch of a button. The Kettler Verso TX1 and TX3 offer built-in incline interval and hill climb programs for uphill training.  With various settings for speed, incline and fitness level, a treadmill allows you to work at your own pace in order to target your own individual fitness needs.

Built-in workout programs are another fantastic benefit to owning a treadmill. These preset programs allow you to work through a great set of proven exercises, or create your own workouts to target your personal fitness goals. Programs can be determined by a set amount of time, distance-covered or number of calories burned. Epic, FreeMotion and StarTrac include programs that adjust your settings as you exercise to meet a minimum heart rate. Dazadi also carries NordicTrack, a trusted name in aerobic and fitness equipment. With these low-impact personal trainers, you will witness an improvement in your energy level, fitness goals and physique.

Unlike a health club, a home gym offers ultimate privacy as well as your pick of entertainment options. Place the Treadmill in a room with a television for a welcome distraction or blast your favorite workout tunes for a motivating beat. In fact, some Treadmills include integrated entertainment features, such as speakers or television screens, to make your exercise session as convenient and enjoyable as possible. The Freemotion t7.4 features an integrated entertainment system with a digital TV, dual speakers and a cable that connects to your DVD player or iPOD. Some treadmills even include integrated fans to keep you cool and comfortable. The low-impact, highly-effective workout provided by a treadmill is among the best ways to gain a better body, enhanced strength and a healthier perspective on weight loss.

P.E. Class Activities: The Possibilities are Endless!

June 5th, 2009

Physical education, P.E., Gym Class, whatever you like to call it is an experience we all share in the American school system. Loved by some and dreaded by many, physical education has been a part of public curriculum since the early 1800’s as schools and universities began to offer activity courses. In 1866, California became the first state to mandate physical education in the public school system. Since then, several states followed as they saw the need for fit and healthy students.

Over the years, several P.E. activities have become popular that fit every child’s desires. Some can jump rope while others play flag football or cage ball. Students can roll around the gym or playground on their scooters and play scooter hockey or have parachutes fling parachute popcorn. Playground Balls are a blur as 4-square tournaments and dodgeball are played. The possibilities are truly endless.

The P.E. Equipment category has taken on a life of its own and includes even odd products such as juggling scarves and feathers. Rubber animals can be flung in a parachute, passed around as a relay baton, used to organize your students, placed as field markers, or used for just about any thing else you can dream up. Dazadi includes a varied P.E. Equipment category with both normal and unconventional products, so the imagination of you and your students can run wild. With so much variety in your gym class, every student will be excited to exercise, run around and stay in shape!

Using Resistance Bands and Tubes for a Great Total Body Workout

May 28th, 2009

When most people think of building and toning muscles, weightlifting is usually the first thing that comes to mind. While this is an effective method, some may become bored with the limited number of exercises you can do with a free weight. Resistance bands and tubes are an interesting exercise tool that provide many of the same benefits of weight training with endless exercise possibilities.

Resistance bands and tubes come in a variety of lengths, resistance levels, and styles. Resistance bands such as the JFit Resistance Bands refer to flat rubber bands while resistance tubes like the FitBALL Resistance Tubing refer to round, rubber tubes typically with handles on either end. Besides the traditional straight form, tubes are available in several different styles such as a figure-8 or cuff formation. Bands and tubes are also available in different resistance levels such as light, medium, or heavy. Owning a few bands with different resistance levels is suggested for use with each individual body part. Resistance bands and tubes give you a great total body workout and can be used to target your arms, legs, abs, thighs, shoulders, and back. There are tons of exercises you can do, but a simple one requires you to stand on the middle of the tube or band while lifting either tube end towards your face for a bicep curl. To work your legs, sit on the floor, loop a band around the bottom of your feet and push your legs forward.

They are also great for working out at home or on the go. The lightweight and simple design makes resistance tools perfect for stashing in your luggage the next time you are on a vacation or business trip. For a great at-home workout, they can be combined with the FitBALL Pro Tubing Attachment to transform your door into an effective and dynamic exercise tool. The FitBALL Deluxe Balance Board allows you to run resistance tubes and bands through small notches around the edge of the board so you can work on toning your arms while developing balance, coordination, and core muscles.

Dazadi has a great variety of bands and tubes for you to choose from. Looking for a great tube to use at home? Try the FitBALL Resistance Tubing, or the SPRI Deluxe Xertube. Looking to buy resistance bands in bulk for a gym or fitness center? Try the latex-free REP Bands 6-yard roll or the FitBALL Bulk Bands 50-yard roll. These and all resistance tools open up endless exercise possibilities so you can get creative and enjoy your workout. So, stretch, tone, and strengthen your way into a fit, strong body with this great form of resistance training!

Finding the Right Exercise Ball for your Fitness and Physical Therapy Needs

May 18th, 2009

Exercise balls are called by many names such as Swiss balls, stability balls, fitness balls, workout balls, therapy balls and even birthing balls. The Gymnastik exercise ball was created in the 1960’s by an Italian manufacturer.  Originally, exercise balls were used for physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. Eventually, exercise balls were used for fitness purposes and in the early 1990’s, Ball Dynamics created the FitBALL, which features a burst resistant material specifically for heavy fitness and rehabilitation needs.

The exercise ball is a beneficial tool and can be used for a variety of applications including the improvement of cardiovascular health, posture, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, muscle tone, and core strength.

Choosing the right sized exercise ball is important and depends on your individual height and weight. A great way to test if an exercise ball is right for you is to sit on top of an inflated ball. If your feet touch the ground, and your knees are in line with your hips at a 90 degree angle, you have the correct ball. This method is purely an approximate guess and often you may need a larger ball based on weight. If you are unsure, go for the larger ball since you can always add less air depending on the appropriate size. Remember to check with a physical therapist or personal trainer if you are still having trouble deciding which ball is right for you. Below is a helpful guide to follow when purchasing an exercise ball:

  • Under 5′0” - 45 cm ball
  • 5′0” to 5′5” - 55 cm ball
  • 5′5” to 5′11” - 65 cm ball
  • 6′0″ and up - 75 cm ball

The Physioball Exercise Ball is a larger ball that was created specifically for physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. This line of balls is available in 85 cm, 95 cm, 105 cm, and 120 cm sizes.

Exercise balls also make great office chairs and have began popping up in offices everywhere. When sitting on top of the exercise ball, the instability requires you to sit up straighter and engage your core muscles to stay balanced. This allows you not only to improve your core, but also your balance, posture, and coordination. Items such as the FitBALL Holder and the FitBALL Stand transform any exercise ball into an office chair. The FitBALL with Feet, and the SitSolution Maxafe line of exercise balls feature small stabilizers that make the ball great for sitting.

Most exercise balls come packaged in a box or bag and require proper inflation before use. Products such as the FitBALL Pump inflate your ball to the desired level. More inflation makes the ball more unstable creating a greater balance challenge. For an easier balance ball experience, slightly under-inflate the ball.

For help with your exercise ball routine, check out Dazadi’s collection of fitness DVDs and Books.

After carefully choosing the right ball, you can join this great fitness craze. The exercise ball is ideal for a variety of uses and allows you to be creative with your exercise routine. So, get on the ball and roll your way into a more fit and toned body!

Yoga: The Benefits of Strengthening Both Body and Mind

May 11th, 2009

Yoga, as it is commonly understood today, refers to Hatha Yoga, a branch that uses postures or “asanas”, to clear the mind and strengthen the body in preparation for mediation. Hatha Yoga seeks a balance between the mental and the physical. In theory, it pursues a harmony between opposing forces such as fire and water, female and male, darkness and light. Hatha Yoga’s holistic approach to enlightenment is sought via physical postures (”asanas”), purification procedures (”shatkriyas”), poses (”mudras”) yogic breathing (”pranayamas”), and mediation. Hatha Yoga presents an excellent way, in today’s hectic and stressful environment, to relax your mind, lessen your anxiety, improve your balance and achieve a healthier perspective.

Although Yoga itself refers to traditional meditative practices from both Buddhism and Hinduism, Hatha Yoga is by far the most popular branch or system of study. Because Yoga seeks to control the senses and clear the mind, Yoga classes help shift your focus from your worries to your breath, from everyday distraction to one single pose, from disordered to directed energy flow. This concern for overall wellness has been known to lessen stress, reduce chronic pain and even regenerate healthy tissue. Yoga provides superb exercise and can be practiced at home with Yoga DVD’s or in classes led by a credentialed instructor. Poses are performed using Yoga Mats, and are often coupled with Yoga balls, Yoga blocks and Yoga bolsters for greater accuracy and therapeutic benefit. We at Dazadi.com, in our endeavor to help you enjoy life to the fullest, offer a great variety of yoga equipment. Our JFit Skidless Yoga Mats provide exceptional stability for even the most challenging poses and come in fun, soothing colors. For example the JFit Skidless Elements Mats, and the JFit Premium Skidless Floral Printed Mats feature attractive, original designs. JFit’s Eco-Friendly Mats are lightweight, durable and biodegradable! Yoga teaches an awareness of and concern for the world and one’s place in it. JFit’s environmentally-conscious products contribute to that overarching interest.

Foam Rollers are also a great way to strengthen and condition your body. Foam rollers are used especially for physical therapy, as they improve balance, flexibility and muscle rehabilitation. JFit manufactures several good quality foam rollers such as the JFit Basic Round 36’’ Foam Roller and the super-comfortable JFit Premium Textured High Density Foam Roller 36” Round . This durable high density roller is also great for Pilates training, as it helps you exercise and strengthen your core muscles. TKO also produces tough, long-lasting foam rollers to enhance core flexibility and improve muscle stabilization.

Yoga exercises can help you attain a sense of peace and control outside of the classroom or home gym. Use meditation and breathing exercises to reduce tension while at work, school or on the go. Develop your balance and flexibility to improve day-to-day endurance. Set aside personal time at least one day a week for a fitness style that builds both body and mind!

Finding the Right Exercise Equipment for your Home

April 13th, 2009

Home workouts are an attractive option for an increasing number of people these days for various reasons including the cost of health clubs and the lack of privacy in a public gym. People also enjoy the ability to workout whenever they choose in the comfort of their own home.

When setting up a home gym, the most important thing is to choose the right equipment for your needs. The main feature of your home gym is probably going to be a cardio fitness machine, which can help you build strength and endurance. This is also is a great way to warm up before lifting weights or engaging in any other exercise activities.

This article gives a brief review of some high quality exercise equipment you may desire to purchase including exercise bikes, elliptical machines (also called elliptical trainers) treadmills, rowing machines, and other home gym equipment. Read the rest of this entry »