tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83271966540521701732024-03-12T23:01:11.391+00:00The Firm Wave Workout - The Best Fat BlasterLearn how you can burn fat and look fantastic by riding the Firms Wave. Your Frequently Asked Questions about the Wave answered by a Personal Trainer & Pilates Instructor.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-91475548298379567782009-12-28T14:19:00.003+00:002009-12-28T14:24:51.129+00:00Get The Best Shape This SummerHave you been getting in your best shape for this summer? The hot and sunny days are creeping up to us once again and everyone is out there shopping for chic and sexy bathing suits. Have you done everything necessary to fit in your bathing suit and look amazing at the same time? Why not take a look at the <a href="http://athomeworkoutreviews.com/home-workout-equipment/shakeweightreviews/">Shake Weight Reviews</a> page to help get rid of the wiggly jigglies under your arms!<br /><br />Keeping those abs tight requires intense workouts so I hope you have been breaking a sweat!<br />I know, I know, those ab workouts can be such a pain and I’ll let you know I’m not keen on them either but it’s necessary nonetheless. I really don’t think I can overemphasize on their importance. Hey, admit it, don’t you like having great abs that anyone would admire? It’s no surprise why there are tons of different exercise equipment you can find in the fitness market. Whether you’re male or female, abs are not to be taken likely as they not only are appealing to the eyes; but they help to support your lower back as well.<br /><br />When it comes to doing my abs exercises I don’t have a single piece of exercise equipment for it. To me it’s not necessary to do my exercises on a machine when I can do without them. Traditional exercises are just as effective as machines. From pull-ups to push ups to leg raises and dips, these were all it took for me to get rock hard abs.<br /><br /> However, everyone has their own preferences in how they decide to stay fit. Some would rather use treadmills, stair masters and the latest exercise equipment on the market. These can be really great for you if you can afford it. Some machines are sometimes more effective than traditional methods because of the features they possess. Just remember that the better the features, the more it is going to cost. If you can afford the extra cost, it would be worth it for you if you are serious about keeping fit.<br /><br />Let me tell you about my wife for instance. She has one of those big rubber exercise balls that all those fit girls endorse on television ads. I’m pretty sure that there is a proper name for it but I don’t have clue. My wife uses it for a variety of stomach and back workouts. I was somewhat surprised when I first saw it in action. I realized that it really did have potential for a strenuous workout and give you the tone you want.<br /><br />Do you prefer using abs exercise equipment or the traditional “free” methods? I know many people get their daily dose from the equipment at gyms and fitness clubs. It really just depends on personal preference and as long as you find an effective method you like, it is good that you are working towards that flat, tight and toned stomach that everyone admires.<br />If you still can’t decide what may be best for you, do a search on the internet as there are vast quantities of information that will help you find what you’re looking for. Not to mention the fact that it’s free and reliable!Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-7959585351016839222009-03-02T13:44:00.004+00:002009-03-02T13:53:15.951+00:00The Total Gym Shaper Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wxw_39a_JRzmydjIAHhuJFWwkNVr_ONeus7qEIGGm29jEQv6hLnfo3ZB8FNgUcE6f1wdcIsLT2Yi4a1hcNBaJ3yxzPz2ith9GChM4dt6Kel4i0SH6SOx31pdn62CAN-hYs6LRI4pg7T-/s1600-h/totalgymshaper.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wxw_39a_JRzmydjIAHhuJFWwkNVr_ONeus7qEIGGm29jEQv6hLnfo3ZB8FNgUcE6f1wdcIsLT2Yi4a1hcNBaJ3yxzPz2ith9GChM4dt6Kel4i0SH6SOx31pdn62CAN-hYs6LRI4pg7T-/s320/totalgymshaper.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308587760719353106" border="0" /></a><br />The Total Gym has a new sibling. It's called the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Total Gym Shaper</span>. This version is the least expensive yet at just under £100. It'll do all the things it's more expensive counter parts will do like give you a great combined strength and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardio">cardio workout</a> only it's cheaper.<br /><br />Apart from the weight (built like a tank it is) I can't think why you would want to pays hundreds of pounds more for the deluxe versions.<br /><br />I've written a more detailed review on The <a href="http://athomeworkoutreviews.com/home-workout-equipment/totalgymshaperreviews/">Total Gym Shaper</a> that you might be interested in. Check it out I believe this is a great piece of kit if you have the room for it.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Carol J Bartram<br />(Personal Trainer)Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-15384737545541279252009-02-25T16:12:00.003+00:002009-02-25T16:21:10.310+00:00The Firm Wave Workout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLUhZRiXv9KUfYaNxspQYdnYrlKmaBo2jomAjvzhlEeTLdomfIT3rhNgeUTHnDqbMbsjs_dSNxRaFKfhqLyshwQTR9IL1g7bkGSkH2Ddgy0lCiWbCTzk8pX9Ss47ZQVKG6UvxaIucKijE/s1600-h/thefirmwave.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLUhZRiXv9KUfYaNxspQYdnYrlKmaBo2jomAjvzhlEeTLdomfIT3rhNgeUTHnDqbMbsjs_dSNxRaFKfhqLyshwQTR9IL1g7bkGSkH2Ddgy0lCiWbCTzk8pX9Ss47ZQVKG6UvxaIucKijE/s320/thefirmwave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306770247874759378" border="0" /></a><br />There is a great new piece of equipment for exercising at home that's recently come on the market. It is called <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Firm Wave</span> and it's taking the home exercise market by storm. It is not complicated and bulky like many pieces of home exercise equipment but carefully designed and easy to use with a curved side that is stable and the flat side that is unstable - it looks like a small humpback bridge!<br /><br />The Firm Wave is uncomplicated and fun to use. Choose from curve-up which makes the Firm Wave stable and suitable for use for stepping <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise">exercises</a> and as a platform for seated and floor exercises such as Pilates. And that's only half of what you can do with the Wave - turn it over (curve-side down) and the Wave provides a rocking platform on which you can rock from side to side Surfing the Wave; forward and back - Carving the Wave" or for pressup exercises at floor level which is called Trimming the Wave.<br /><br />At less than $100 the Firm Wave is not expensive and works out at good value for money. You also get several extras with the Wave; a rubber mat to rest it on, an illustrated and useful chart of exercises, a booklet to help you make sensible food choices and several workouts on 4 DVDs, including a bonus abdominal workout.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/firmwavepersonalgym">Firm Wave Workout</a> is fun - why not rock yourself fit!Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-31736926677259316132009-02-04T13:52:00.002+00:002009-02-04T13:57:04.589+00:00The T-Bow DVDsI've just received the latest T-Bow DVD (the one shipped with the T-Bow) and I'm going to review each of the six different workouts on the DVD.<br /><br />I have to say at first glance they do look very good. Excellent instruction, plenty of teaching points and fun workouts.<br /><br />If you'd like to read my full review please follow this link <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/tbowdvdreview.htm">The T-Bow DVD Review</a>.<br /><br />Enjoy your workouts.<br /><br />Carol J BartramCarolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-18142633301832903392009-01-31T16:55:00.004+00:002009-01-31T17:02:04.877+00:00It's Not The Wave It's The T-Bow!<div id="body"><p>Although this isn't strictly Wave related I've come across the T-Bow which might interest you. So I wrote the following review on the T-Bow - See what you think.<br /></p><p>There are lots of pieces of exercise equipment out there for home use, but how many will fit into a small apartment? Most are huge, unwieldy and - it has to be said - downright ugly! How many times have you been embarrassed when a relative has stayed over and had to share the spare room with a monstrosity of an exercise machine? And even then, having the beast squatting in the spare room like a huge toad (the exercise machine, not the relative!) doesn't mean you'll use it. I had a superb exercise bike and ended up draping the laundry over it instead of pedalling it.</p><p>Well now there's the T-Bow. An amazingly versatile piece of exercise kit that can be used in the smallest of spaces, and cleared away into a closet in a trice when your workout is over.</p><p>Exercising is essential for our health and well-being, but how many of us, with our busy lives, can make time to visit the gym? Not me, for starters, and I teach this stuff! I always end up paying exorbitant monthly fees and never getting there - which adds guilt at wasting money to the problem. Last time I made it, I had only 22 minutes (exactly) to do a workout in!</p><p>So I'm always excited to come across <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise">home exercise</a> equipment that doesn't take up much space or cost the earth, and that gives a full-body workout.</p><p><em>The T-Bow fits the bill perfectly.</em></p><p>It's made of a high-quality polymer, and shaped in a curve, with a mat surface on top, and gaps at the sides to fit exercise bands through. Totally simple, and totally brilliant; using the T-Bow you can do cardio exercise for fat-burning, attach resistance bands for muscle-sculpting, and also do core exercises for toned, beautiful abs. Not only that, the T-Bow is perfect for Pilates, creating long, lean muscles and re-aligning your posture for that perfect silhouette!</p><p>I've been recommending the T-Bow to all my Personal Training clients, and they've been amazed at how much fun it is. Yes, Fun! Workouts with the T-Bow can be as varied as you want to make them - no more long, boring sessions on a treadmill.</p><p>Here's how it works:</p><ul><li>Curve side up, the T-Bow is stable and can be used as a Step. 20 minutes of brisk Stepping burns 200+ calories and tones leg and butt muscles. Add light handweights and tone upper body as well.</li><li>Turn the T-Bow curve side down and stand on the edges. Now rock from side to side - feel that in those thigh muscles! And because you need to balance, your core muscles all switch on, working those abs and burning even more calories. It feels like a cross between skating and surfing and reminds me of being a kid again!</li><li>Turn curve side up again and slide in the easy-to-use elastic bands for the same toning benefits as a weights session</li><li>Get down on the floor! Lean or lie on the T-Bow's curve side for a great Pilates workout to sculpt those hard-to-reach muscles of the abs and back for great posture and wonderful toned leanness!</li></ul></div><p>My name is Carol J Bartram and I am a qualified Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor. I've tried many pieces of home exercise equipment during my professional career in an effort to help my clients reach their health and fitness goals.</p><p>The T-Bow Exercise System is in my opinion one of the best pieces of equipment I've ever seen. I use it with all my Personal Training clients and they get great results. It is simple to use and gets the job done. I own 18 of them and also use them in my private Pilates classes.</p><p>If you could only afford one piece of home exercise equipment make it <a id="link_78" target="_new" href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/html/tbow-exercise.htm">The T-Bow</a>; it comes with exercise bands and an inspiring DVD, making it really great value for money. To discover how the T-Bow could help you with your weight loss goals and to see some videos of it in action please click the above link.</p>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-9132574330456119172009-01-15T15:31:00.003+00:002009-01-15T15:38:33.405+00:00Can The Wave Help Me Get A Smaller Tummy?Yes it can! But not by itself. The Firm Wave will help you burn fat like the afterburners on a jet engine but you do need to give it a little help. What you eat is so important when it comes to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_loss">fat loss</a>.<br /><br />Eat sensibly for 80% of the time, don't deny yourself treats and watch the sugar consumption - Not to many cookies!<br /><br />To read more about How <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/firmwavepouch.htm">The Firm Wave Can Help You Get a Trim Tummy</a> please follow the link.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Carol J BartramCarolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-78124528303573237392009-01-14T13:28:00.003+00:002009-01-14T13:33:43.936+00:00The Firm Wave - Fat Burning and You<div id="body"><p>I've looked for more <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/firmwavepersonalgym">The Firm Wave Reviews</a> and found this article I wrote. I hope you like it.<br /></p><p>Whether you are 20 years old or 50 years young, the way your body burns fat is the same. At 20, it is just much easier! But however old you are, The Firm Wave will help you burn fat.</p><p>Fat-burning within the human body happens in more ways than one. Your body uses calories and burns fat every time you move, or do a crossword - even when you are asleep in bed. When you are young, your metabolism (the engine of your body) runs quickly; you have loads of energy, can work all day and party all night (and still get up for work the next morning!). Even without doing very much exercise, you burn off fat.</p><p>As you get older, your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolism">metabolism</a> slows down; it's a fact of life. You have to work harder and exercise more to burn the same amount of fat as you used to, because the body simply uses fewer calories on a daily basis. How many people have you heard say that they eat less than they used to, but have put on weight? Me for one! I used to eat like a starving grizzly bear, and never weighed more than 120 lbs until I got over 35. Then, slowly but surely, I began to gain weight.</p><p>With women especially, you begin to lose muscle from about the age of 30 - unless you specifically exercise to keep it. Lean muscle is essential for burning fat. Radical dieting is NOT the answer to losing fat and keeping it off - sensible eating and the right type of exercise is.</p><p>And this is where <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Firm Wave</span> will help you. It is incredibly versatile and can be used for muscle-toning, cardio fat-burning, core strengthening to firm up that wobbly mid-section, and stretching. This last is often missed out from exercise programs, but is absolutely essential for keeping muscles firm and flexible and far less prone to painful injuries.</p><p>The Firm Wave burns fat in several ways; "surfing" on the Wave is cardio exercise, which works lungs and heart and burns calories. Using the other side of the Wave for Step tones the leg muscles as well as counting as cardio, and burns calories. Attaching resistance bands to the Wave and squatting, lunging and doing exercises like Arm Curls works specific muscles, which tones and shapes them and burns calories; and lying or leaning on the Wave for Pilates exercises works the core, sculpting waist and tummy muscles, and burns calories!</p><p>I count that as 4 ways to burn full-body calories, with just 1 great piece of equipment! And the Firm Wave comes with several inspirational DVDs to supercharge your workout, plus its own mat, wallchart and healthy eating guide.</p><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Carol J Bartram<br />(Personal Trainer)<br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-22136595214649676202009-01-05T14:56:00.003+00:002009-01-05T15:05:32.804+00:00Can the Wave Tone You Butt & Thighs?Yes it can! Not only that it can tone and shape your complete body. Because you rock on the wave it forces all your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscles">muscles</a> to work that much harder. The unstable surface makes any exercise you do that much more challenging and I have to say much more interesting.<br /><br />Make exercise fun again - Try The Wave today.<br /><br />To read my complete article please follow this link <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/firmwavebuttthighexercise.htm">The Firm Wave - Butt & Thighs</a>.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Robert E Bartram<br />(Pilates Instructor)Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-1605107059518289902008-12-27T12:17:00.002+00:002008-12-27T12:22:55.146+00:00Try the Firm Wave Workout For Fat Blasting Cardio Exercise<div id="body"><p>For exercising at home,I would say that your best bet with limited space and money is The Firm Wave. This is fairly new on the market, and is produced by The Firm, a U.S. based company with a good reputation for innovative weight loss products and inspirational DVDs.<br /><br />The Firm Wave Personal Gym is a curved piece of equipment that can be picked up with one hand and is made of a strong plastic. It is shaped like a hump-backed bridge and has holes along the edges that resistance bands can be fitted into. What makes it so innovative is that it can be used either side up, and can be stood on, sat on or laid on to get a full-body, calorie-burning, muscle toning workout in a small space and at a fraction of the cost of other home exercise kits!<br /><br />Any exercise professional will tell you that, for the most weight loss and the best body shaping, every workout that you do has to include the following:-<br /><br /><em>Cardiovascular exercise </em></p><p>Sounds complicated, but means only that you move your body in a way that makes you warm and slightly breathless - think brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. This activity burns calories and strengthens your heart and lungs. Doing cardio exercise indoors can be a challenge, especially in a small space - a treadmill is good, but probably won't fit in your understairs closet!<br /><br />The Firm Wave allows you to do your <strong>cardio</strong> exercise in 2 ways; curved side down, you stand on the sides and push through your legs to rock the board - a bit like a seesaw. It also challenges your balance, making you use more muscles and burning more calories. "Surfing" on the Wave will burn as many calories as jogging - and it's fun! Not only that, turn the Wave curve side up and you have a stable platform for "Step" exercises - any gym will tell you how good Step is for weight loss, and it's safer than running up and down stairs.<br /><br /><em>Resistance Exercises</em></p><p>An essential part of any weight-loss program, resistance exercise means just that - working your muscles against a resistance to make them stronger. Every time you get up out of a chair or lift shopping out of the car, you are building and strengthening your muscles. And the more toned and strong your muscles become, the more calories you burn - even when you are not exercising. Muscles need calories 24/7, so stored fat is used up to maintain them. Which means you lose weight even while you are asleep or watching TV!<br /><br />This is where the holes built into The Firm Wave come in useful - they are designed so that you can fit elastic resistance bands through, enabling you to perform all sorts of muscle-toning exercises. Resistance bands cost only a few dollars, and most big stores sell them.<br /><br />Carol J Bartram is a qualified Personal Trainer and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates">Pilates</a> Instructor. She has evaluated many different pieces of exercise equipment and has the following to say about the Wave.<br /><br />The Firm Wave fits into a small space, and can be easily stored in a closet between workouts. It comes with fun, easy to follow DVDs to get you started and best of all, costs less than $100. So if you are ready to start on getting that lean, toned body that you've always desired, follow the link and check out the <a id="link_78" target="_new" href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/Pilates-Fitness-Equipment/wavepersonalgymreview.htm">The Firm Wave Workout</a> today.</p>For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/thefirmwaveworkoutfaq.htm">Firm Wave</a> click here.<br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-49300884152593337092008-12-23T15:23:00.000+00:002008-12-23T15:31:53.186+00:00Exercising at Home - Surf the Firm Wave<div id="body"><p>If you lead a busy, active, life - as I'm sure you do - exercising at home is often the only practical way. After all, what's the point of paying fees to an expensive and plush gym if you can never make the time to get there? They may have the latest equipment, the swankiest changing rooms and the hunkiest instructors this side of the Mississippi, but that's no use to you when you are trying to juggle home, work and kids.<br /><br />All that will happen is that you will lose no weight and feel guilty for paying out the fees every month without getting any benefits. Guilt leads to comfort eating, which contributes to further weight gain, which causes stress and, ultimately, health problems. You are in a worse state than when you joined the club!<br /><br />One answer is to exercise at home. Comfort, privacy and no monthly fees - apart from the mortgage, which you'd have to pay anyway. And if you go for a compact exerciser like <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Firm Wave</span>, you don't need to turn a whole room into a gym, as a small space will be perfect, and the Wave can be stored away when you've finished.<br /><br /><strong>What's a Wave?<br /><br /></strong>Nothing to do with the ocean or a surfboard, the <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/Pilates-Fitness-Equipment/wavepersonalgymreview.htm">Firm Wave</a> is made of strong polymer and shaped like a hump bridge. It is extremely versatile; place it on the floor with the curve side down and it rocks when you stand on it and push your feet from side to side in a see-saw movement. This is fun! "Surfing" the Wave raises your heart rate and gives you the cardio part of your workout - and burns calories. And because you have to balance, your core and ab muscles have to work, which tones and flattens the dreaded "pooch". At first, you will find you get out of breath surprisingly quickly, but you will soon adapt - I suggest you start with 5 -10 minutes. Put on some good rock music and away you go. My current favorite for this is The Proclaimers "500 Miles" and I try to bellow along with it. I am breathless by the end of the track and the dog thinks I'm crazy!<br /><br />But that's not all the Wave can do. Turn it over, curve side up, and it has a mat surface and is stable. You can now do Step-up exercises for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardio"><strong style="font-weight: normal;">cardio</strong></a> and leg-shaping. The Wave also has attachments for elastic exercise bands - now you can do the resistance part of your workout for toned, shapely arms and legs. And remember - the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns all day long.<br /><br />And we're still not done! Curved-side up, the Wave is also perfect for doing Pilates mat exercises on. Lie over the Wave and you work your abs, sides and back, to get that toned torso that we all dream about.<br /><br />Carol J Bartram is a qualified Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor and Sports Therapist. She has reviewed many pieces of home exercise equipment and has the following to say about the Wave.</p></div><p>The Firm Wave comes with a set of inspirational DVDs to show you what to do and keep you motivated, and the whole package costs less than $100 (plus p&p), making it superb value for money. I can't think of one other single piece of kit that will let you do a full-body workout in such a small space and at such a good price - <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/buywaveexerciseequipment.htm">Buy The Firm Wave Exercise Equipment</a> it's all you need to banish those bulges!</p>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-54563816306209384702008-12-22T13:21:00.000+00:002008-12-22T13:36:46.973+00:00Which is Best, a Treadmill Or the Firm Wave?<div id="body"><p>Whichever piece of <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/Pilates-Fitness-Equipment/pilatesequipment.htm">home exercise equipment</a> you choose, there are several factors to take into consideration.</p><ul><li>How much available space do you have?</li><li>How much are you willing to pay?</li><li>Do you want something that can be hidden away in a closet, or left out all the time?</li><li>Do you want something to tone and shape muscles as well as give you a cardio workout?</li></ul><p>It's really worth sitting down and having a good think about these points - there's nothing worse than buying a home exercise machine and realizing it's not what you wanted!</p><p>The <strong>Firm Wave</strong> is a cleverly designed, curved exercise system that can be used in several ways: </p><ul><li>Curve-side down it works your legs and core, burning calories and toning your mid-section as well as improving your balance and co-ordination.</li><li>Curve-side up it is more stable and can be used for Step exercises.</li><li>Add exercise bands to create a full-body muscle toning system.</li><li>Can also be used for Pilates exercises to create long, lean muscles and flat abs.</li></ul><p>The WAVE can be used in a small space and put away in a closet when not in use, making it the ideal piece of equipment for a small spare room or apartment. Cost-wise, the WAVE represents great value for money and comes complete with several DVDs and a useful wall chart.<br /><br />A treadmill, on the other hand, represents a much larger investment, costing from $200 for a manual system, up to several $1000 for a state-of-the-art motorized model with varied speeds, programs and inclines.<br /><br />My experience is that spending around $2000 will get you a first-class home treadmill with a lifetime guarantee on the frame, a smoothly-running motorized belt that is wide enough to be comfortable and long enough to take large strides, and enough programs to ensure you reach your training goals and never become bored! Oh, and don't forget the heart-rate monitor and calorie-burn counter that are also included on these models.<br /><br />Most companies will deliver and install your treadmill at that price. All you have to do is step on and press a button. Treadmills are permanently set up and take up a lot of space, although there are several folding models if space is a premium.<br /><br />As an exercise professional, I rate both the treadmill and the Wave. However, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadmill">treadmill</a> is much larger and more expensive, and cannot be used for toning the arms and shoulders - and I don't recommend trying Pilates on a moving treadmill!<br /><br />It doesn't actually matter which piece of equipment you go for, just as long as you actually use it. My personal choice for convenience and value would be the Wave - there are not many pieces of equipment that work your heart and lungs, tone muscle, burn calories and strengthen your core, all in one small value-for-money package!<br /><br />Carol J Bartram is a qualified Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor and Sports Therapist who has looked at many pieces of home fitness equipment. She thinks <a id="link_74" target="_new" href="http://www.squidoo.com/firmwavepersonalgym">The Firm Wave</a>, an inexpensive Personal Gym is a fabulous piece of home exercise equipment, which will help you to lose fat, get stronger and look great.</p></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-65804154657797505212008-11-25T09:43:00.000+00:002008-11-25T09:50:30.077+00:00Firm Wave Exercise EquipmentMy clients have been pestering me to review the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Firm Wave Personal Gym</span> to decide if they should buy one. They were concerned it would be another unusable piece of home exercise equipment that was all hype and wouldn't give them the type of workout they were searching for. As I use a similar piece of equipment the T-Bow I took up the challenge.<br /><br />Both the T-Bow and the Wave are shaped like a small humped back bridge. You can rock on it curved side down or use it as a step curved side up (it's stable and won't move) this way you can use it to:-.<br /><br /><ul><li>Step up and down (a normal step)</li><li>To enhance your stretching routine.</li><li>With a affordable exercise band add many strength training exercises</li><li>By using only your body weight you can do exercises like press-ups, squats and lunges.</li></ul><br />If you turn the Wave over so that the curved surface is down you end up with an unstable surface. With your feet on either side of the Wave it can be hard to stay upright on it never mind move. This way up you can:-<br /><br /><ul><li>Perform a rocking movement which really hits the spot</li><li>Use the Wave length ways and walk your way fit</li><li>Strengthen Abs and core</li><li>Use with a resistance band to make your workout more difficult</li></ul><br />One of the Wave's claim to fame is that it can burn three times as much fat as other pieces of cardio equipment. Hmm three times as much I can't say but it will give you one of the hardest and most tough cardio workouts you've ever had. As a beginner I would expect you to be sweating and breathless in less than five minutes.<br /><br />The Wave will enable you to execute over 100 toning, strength building and body sculpting exercises all on a piece of kit that costs less than $100 and comes with four DVD's an exercise mat and a healthy eating guide. I have to say I was impressed with the Wave. It won't stack like the T-Bow but for most home users who only buy one this will not be a problem.<br /><br />Many people like you will see this as another exercise gimmick. Let me assure you it's not. It will do precisely what the Firm claims. The only way it won't work for you will be if you don't use it. But then that would apply to any other piece of home exercise equipment as well. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Wave</span> is small, easy to store, has no complicated controls and can be set up in seconds, you just stand on it!<br /><br />Don't waste any more time do what thousands of others have done. Ride <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/firmwavepersonalgym">The Firm Wave</a> and get the results you've only dreamed of.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327196654052170173.post-48568568995420709792008-11-22T15:04:00.000+00:002008-11-22T15:07:27.610+00:00The Firms Wave Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.squidoo.com/firmwavepersonalgym"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7Xlq3WCgflnh0U722JDbd1DA6QC88MY9TAdqIohae-MjIR9GmxOMm83Fy0JoHjtNbDvSVlRQ8VOgjb5dGnHLICyOsnRUx6TfGhk5_GfE7K7pu5RAwqAmtBfwLD_ol0UASjNN1z5Y1fig/s320/thefirmwave.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271498219049767298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Firms Wave</span> is innovative workout system that is taking the USA by storm. It blends aerobic, strength and stretching in one small easy to put away piece of equipment. It's a curved surface that can be used curved side up to give a secure base to do stength training and stretching on. Flip the Wave over with it's curved side down and you can rock your way to one of the best and most effective cardio workouts you've ever had.<br /><br />The wave is so efficient in giving a a great workout in a short time because it forces your body to work harder. When ever you step onto an wobbly surface like the Wave your bodies core and stabilising muscles have to work much harder just to keep you upright. That's just standing still! Wait until you start rocking, your workload goes through the roof and you have to work very hard.<br /><br />This is functional training at it's best. Using yourself, a cheap exercise band and the wave you can exercise every single muscle in your body without having to buy any other high-priced gym equipment. Exercising on the Wave means you can reduce the time you require to do your exercises which is very important today as time is a precious commodity.<br /><br />More importantly exercising out on the Wave is a great deal of fun. No more boring plodding on a treadmill or cross trainer just step on the Wave and start rocking. It's addictive and I use it in all my own workouts , my Personal Training clients love it and they also love the quick results frequent use can bring.<br /><br />If you'd like to discover more about the <a href="http://www.free-pilates-exercises.com/Pilates-Fitness-Equipment/wavepersonalgymreview.htm">Firms Wave</a> and see it in action then please click on the link now and join all the others who Ride The Wave.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237875348536523637noreply@blogger.com0