Put some Spring in your step!!

by abesofmaine ~ April 14th, 2009. Filed under: Fitness Equipment, General Info, Home Audio/Video, Televisions, Uncategorized.

Spring is here and for many people that means one thing - summer is right around the corner. Along with summer comes pools, beaches and lots of other time spent outdoors. If you’ve been thinking about getting in shape for the summer there’s no better time to start than now…and you can do it in the comfort of your own home with all the best home-entertainment amenities.

It’s not always necessary to join a gym in order to get in shape. These days, different exercise machines offer a slew of different built-in programs that are designed specifically for a cardio, fat-burning, or muscle building. So you can accomplish a lot on one machine! And whether you’re in your bedroom, basement or den you can feel like your at the gym by incorporating some hot entertainment features. You can install a flat screen TV to watch your favorite Blu-Rays while you’re trekking away on your treadmill. Or you can surround yourself with a new surround sound entertainment system as you’re pedalling away on your stationary bike. So put some spring in your step, and enjoy doing it at the same time.

If you have a particular exercise, machine or routine that you like and would like to share with our readers, we’d love to hear it! The first 75 people to comment will receive a coupon for $15 off of a purchase of $100 or more at Abe’s of Maine!*

Cameras, VideoTelevisions, GPS, Pro Audio, Musical Instruments, Large Appliances, Small Appliances, Fitness Equipment, Car Electronics

*All comments are read and moderated before being posted. Coupon code is not automatically emailed after comment is made. Please allow some time to receive your coupon code as there is much spam to be filtered through.

119 Responses to Put some Spring in your step!!

  1. Jason Brinkerhoff

    I like to stick to the basics. Sit ups, Push ups, jogging, and yoga. Swimming is great, but not everyone has access to that. For the cold seasons it’s nice to have an exercise bike. I prefer the bike to the tread mill because it’s easier on the knees, and joints in general really.

  2. Will B.

    I work out at home, no machines, no crzy workouts. i just lift whatever dumbells I got and go running and doo basically a jail cell workout. Lost 40 lbs in 3 months :D

  3. Jason

    I use my Wii Fit on a regular basis. Anything that keeps you moving is great :)

  4. Steve Zuck

    I would like to remind everyone to stretch before and after strenous activities, especially if they are just starting an exercise routine.

  5. philippe kline

    A pull-up bar is worth YOUR weight in gold. You can exercise your entire upper-body with a pull-up/chin-up and even perform intense abdominal exercises. Master the pull-up and you’ll be well on your way to great fitness.

  6. Mary Beth Hunt

    There is no better way to get your buns OFF the couch than to have your favorite DOG stare at you until you take them for a walk! They are patient and the silent stare of a dog is VERY LOUD!!!!
    My dog is my favorite motivation.

  7. NicoP

    Oh, I do have a special routine! I love my old, trustful walking machine; 40 mins in the morning makes my day. On warm, sunny afternoons I usually go out of the subway one station before and I walk 12 blocks to my house. Well, it´s not quite a hard exercise, but I´m not that fit either!

  8. John

    I’ve now decided on the Samsung LN46B650 instead of the LN46A750 - looking forward to ordering as soon as I get my tax refund!

  9. Joe N

    I have a regular workout routine every morning. I do yoga. I follow the free yoga program on cable “on demand”. It’s great! At first I was not sure as I felt pretty silly following a TV program to do the exercise. However, over time I could really see the difference and I was really impressed. The best part - it’s FREE. You kind of have to sit through a commercial but other than that…it’s perfect.

  10. Christian

    Hello, every morning before taking my shower, I ride my stationary bike fore 15 minutes while watching TV. It’s a very simple routine, but it’s feels good and I start my day feeling good about myself. I often put some music (lately I have been playing a lot of Coldplay) — now that it is sunny early, it’s even nicer!!!

  11. Michael Picagli (L.I. New York)

    A good exercise routine is to do back & biceps one day, chest & triceps another day, and legs & lats on your next exercise day.
    You can fit in deltoids & forearms in between. Or when you do back & biceps.

    Free weights are an excellent choice, but using a bowflex is amazing and very convenient. I love hpw the bowflex adds balance strength.
    My recommendation and my proffered method is to use a bowflex, then add in some traditional Chinese exercises of your choice like Tai-Chi or another form of Gung-fu exercise training.

  12. Joseph

    Whenever I feel like I want to get a little lighter (usually because my jeans are feeling a little tighter), I work intervals into my routine.

    Intervals are one of the fastest ways around to shed fat. Women who spent 20 minutes mixing sprints with jogging lost three times the fat off their legs and butt in 15 weeks than those jogging steadily for 40 minutes, a study from the University of New South Wales in Sydney finds. Burn triple the fat in half the time? Bring it on!

    To try intervals, do this speedy slimming routine up to six days a week. Pair it with your toning session or do it solo, for results guaranteed to amaze you.

    Hop on any cardio machine you like for the time allotted and the exertion level noted (1 is the easiest and 10 is next to impossible).

    Warm up for 4 minutes at a level 3.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 7.
    Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 8.
    Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 9.
    Recover for 30 seconds at a level 4.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 7.
    Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 8.
    Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 9.
    Recover for 30 seconds at a level 4.
    Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 7.
    Cool down for 3 minutes, 30 seconds at level 3.

  13. Angik

    I was over 185lbs. Initially I could not run for more than 5mins. That is where most people quit. But I stuck on. In 2 months, I was running nearly 4-5 miles everyday without any problems. And my weight came down to 168. Moreover I felt like I was lighter and had more energy. Running really helps

  14. Evangeline

    personally, i hate going to the gym..i tried it a lot of times before but usually i stopped and never have a chance to really develop my body..but after using a Home gym specifically the BOWFLEX 100142- PR3000..not only it save time and money for me, but it definitely kept me up to shape and the convinience at my home anytime when i want it..for me this is the best present i had for myself..

  15. Varmint

    Cyclical stationary bike is the only thing that seems to help my Achilles tendon problem (that keeps me from playing soccer). Loosens it up pretty good.

  16. kyle

    I used to work out every day and I wondered why I wasn’t getting bigger muscles. Turns out I was overtraining. I agree, 3 days a week would work great for a lot of people!

  17. ptolemy

    nice blog!

  18. AKASH

    The best exercise is walk on the beach. Walk 1 hr early in the morning and 1 hr watching sunset and you will be fit forever. This is from my personal experience.

  19. ptolemy

    My routine is basically waking up at 5am, and using a bike for the 45 minutes it takes me to watch last night’s TIVO’d episode.

    Then, that night, I do the walking (if i used a bike in the morning) to watch another episode from my TiVO

    this way, I combine, useful things with fun thing and still get my exercize !

  20. Frederick

    This is awesome!!

  21. Bruce

    Personally, my favorite exercise machine is the manual rower. It gives a great cardio workout and also builds muscles. Another plus is the rower machines are usually relatively inexpensive, ~$300 and they do not break easily unlike treadmills. Furthermore, they take up little space so you can find a place to fit it in the house.

  22. Benny

    WOW… let’s give it a shot

  23. Edwin O'Neil

    Boxing workouts are the best for me. I love warming up with some rope work and the going a few timed rounds with a heavybag. Working a slip or speed bag is lots of fun too!

  24. nick

    send me a coupon!

    situps, pushups, pullups works the best, machines are overkill and is not intended naturally.

  25. Patti Weinst4ein

    If you walk the treadmill daily and drink 8 glasses of water each day, you are able to eat whatever you like (within reason of course) and not gain weight.

  26. Kris

    I have the bowflex dumbbells that adjust from 10-90 pounds. Those plus a bench and I can do a great deal of exercises in my living room

  27. Marc

    wii fit kicks butt.

  28. Zach

    Pushups are great

  29. Tony

    I quit working out at the YMCA to save money and currently am doing P90X which has been more effective and way cheaper than any club membership. I also use periodically use an elliptical machine which I own.

  30. John

    I like the all in one gyms that you can install in your basement. You can exercise all your muscle groups in one machine. I think its called the bowflex.

  31. J Mou

    Being from the Pacific NW, I enjoy hitting the outdoors and going hiking. I notice that I’m so distracted by the wonderful view that I don’t even notice how far I’m walking. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and get a decent lower body workout and enjoy some natural beauty.

    Now that I’ve relocated to the Midwest, it’s been rather hard to find a time and place to go hiking.

  32. Marian

    I’m also all for hiking. There’s nothing like a good uphill to clear the lungs and kill the legs. Legs are the largest muscle group and therefore you burn out most calories this way. And it’s all enjoyable and relaxing.

  33. Prash

    I play tennis and jog for a mile a day to keep my self fit.

  34. Chris

    I really like the elliptical hybrid they have in NYSC’s all over New York. It’s basically like running without the impact.

  35. Sam

    Jumping jacks are the best!!!!!

  36. Jim Z

    this is great.

  37. Mich

    Every semester i take at least 1 dance class from the college near my house, Jazz, modern dance, hip hop, etc. We’d have warm up session at the beginning of class which help us to stretch and work on thighs, abs.

    And if time permits, i’d walk around the blocks in the morning.

    So no need for the machines, i’m still in good shape.

  38. Bill

    Crunches on an exercise ball.

    If done properly, they are VERY effective and you also gain balance.

  39. L Rob

    I like the Tracie Anderson dvd’s they are so hard and really get you pumped!!! Summer here I come!

  40. Arpita

    I agree with Mou. I am in the midwest too and miss hiking :( It is the best and most refreshing method of exercize

  41. Richard

    Yeah, pretty much the Wii Fit about does it for me.

  42. scott

    You have to walk at least 30 minutes each day.

  43. Matthew

    It may sound pretty rudimentary, but in the absence of major gym time, I try to do little things like walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I do a lot of walking because of my photography. So, I try to do much more outdoors because of the fringe benefit. It’s essential to move around a work, when possible. There are days where I feel dead if I’m stuck in my chair all day.

    Eating light becomes much easier in warmer weather. The trick is to take those habits into the hibernation months.

  44. Chris

    Wii Fit rules!

  45. murphy

    Hello to all.

    Its almost summer.

    Thank God

  46. William

    I put an aerobic step in the living room, so I can watch tv while getting a bit of exercise. Still have not gotten the laptop on the stationary bike, so that is still a future project.

  47. Leon

    I am using Wii Fit to help me weigth loss and keep fit. It is awesome!

  48. Kevin

    Daily 30 minute walks.

  49. suman

    play wii for an hour daily equal to the calories burnt when u do treadmill for half an hour with 6 speed

  50. Gandafi

    What are good exercise videos to watch? Any with attractive members?

  51. Kiran Kumar Satyavarapu

    I like to run rather than other type of exercises since it gives perfect shape to my body. I usually runs 5mi a day. I hope this helps.

    Thanks,

  52. mona

    Whenever i eat less, i notice i lose weight. Eating too much is the culprit.

  53. Alan

    I’m all about the Wii Fit. 20 lbs lighter

  54. Dan

    Nike+ running is a pretty good way to keep you motivated

  55. John

    Take stairs other than elevator; take walks other than cars in short trip….

  56. Darren

    There are cardio bikes called Expresso that have screens above the handlebars. You can choose from various virtual courses and there are other bikers on the path with you. You shift bike gears as you hit uphills and downhills, and the resistance changes accoringly. Even though the other people are fake, it can really help you work harder, burning more calories!

  57. kris

    park at the edge of the parking lot, never use an elevator, stretch every morning, make time in your schedule for cardio exercise; if you don’t dedicate time you’ll find ways to avoid it…good luck!

  58. jeff

    Wii fit wii fit wii fit!!

  59. Neil

    I love biking everyday. After I come home from work I take a quick bike ride through my town in the crisp evening air. Feels great after a long day at work.

    I hate going to the gym because it feels like such an artificial environment.

  60. Puro

    45 minutes of brisk walking alternated by swimming - 4 times a week. Keep that routine and see the benefits.

  61. Flint

    I never had to worry about my weight until recently. Now that I’m in my 50’s the old stomach muscles want to get a little soft.

    I’m doing a lot of walking in the local hills. I’ve found a number of different trails with different grades and distances so I can tailor the hike to my time and effort available. Some days steep, some days not.

    It doesn’t directly address the stomach though. I have seen hikers (runners really) the use a funny wiggle to work their middle, but I hesitate to try that because I think it will hurt my back.

  62. Satya Maturi

    I walk for atleast 30min a day..Play tennis few days..

  63. Longnhi

    I love this site

  64. Jo

    Try badminton, twice as much running as tennis.

  65. Eddy

    Open gym basketball has been great for me. Finding a sport you enjoy and a bunch of regulars who play every week is good way to stay in shape.

  66. Tri

    P90X rocks. 13 inch arms to 15 inch arms in 2 months + healthier diet - body fat. What else can ya ask for?

  67. david

    I bought a stationary bike at Walmart. It was one of the better investments i’ve made. It is easy to exercise while watching TV. Fancy equipments aren’t always the best choice. There’s a saying that i’ve followed that has saved me a lot of money. It goes,” The best exercise equipment to get is one that you will actually use.”

  68. Dave

    I gave up driving to work but decided to take public transit and walk 30 mins to work. I found it works great and my body feels much lighter and healthier. It also saves my gas bill!

  69. Sara

    I walk it out, going once or twice around the block is great and all you need are a pair of trainers.

  70. Anita Hooge Bonghit

    I love the Wii Fit keeps me moving

  71. Anson

    I do Luk Tung Kuen with my wife everyday.
    http://www.luktungkuen.org/

  72. Tom

    Taking walks on lunch breaks at work, or even morning walks are good. I don”t really need machines or go to the gym. I just use what I have available and think of ways I can use them to work on specific muscle groups.

  73. rich

    a good jog a couple times a week works for me.

  74. Mirza

    I ride my bike to work. This way I never delay exercise and I can’t be lazy!

  75. Xin

    Wii play is a good game for excercise too. :)

  76. Jack Chu

    I don’t like wii fit at all. I rather walk 30 mins each day.

  77. Steven

    I walk to school, does that count?

  78. anton

    wii fit rocks!

  79. Yan Lim

    I do HIIT, or high intensity interval training, 3 times a week. Sprint as fast as you can for 30 seconds, then walk for 60 seconds. Rinse and repeat for 8-12 times depending on your endurance, and work the numbers up. I’m doing 30s sprint, 45s walk now.

  80. peter

    Wii Fit is definitely not exercise…

  81. Alan

    WII Fit is a good way to do exercise and you can find different kind of exercises which fit you the most.

  82. Linda Robinson

    I am a huge fan of the treadmill! I prefer to do inverals and then maybe a stretching video or a a 20 minute yoga video. It really starts of my days in the right frame of mind!!!1

  83. don

    p90x worked for my friends…i’m going to try it out.

  84. RAnthony

    Ok so i use iPod and a pair of good New Balance running shoes to start my workout.

  85. Heather

    Great blog!

  86. craig

    p90x works great!!

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  89. sashu4

    i use fitness ball to exercise

  90. Lawrence

    I need certain music during my wk/out and checking AoM for new headphones.

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    I work right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, so I try to get a run in 3 times a week on evenings. The bridge has some nice inclines so its a great workout vs just running on flats. Views of the Manhattan skyline are incredible to watch while you run.

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    I would like to remind everyone to stretch before and after strenous activities, especially if they are just starting an exercise routine.

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    Work out every day at the local goldgym

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    In the Navy, we have a physical fitness test twice a year - do as many pushups and situps as possible in 2 minutes and run 1.5 miles. My physical training normally just consists of those 3 things.

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