The new line of Live Strong Exercise Equipment from Lance Armstrong that includes (4) treadmills, (3) ellipticals and a lone cylce was launched online today on their new website at LiveStrongFitness.com

I have yet to get my hands on any of the gear in person but will perform a scouting mission this week around Minneapolis and will report back with my findings when I have them.

To keep you satiated until then (because the new line of equipment looks really nice and hits the right price points) I'll give you my first impressions about their model lineups that I came across at Livestrongfitness.com

Live Strong Treadmills
The treadmills come in (4) models that range from the $799 entry level LS7.9T with a 2.5 chp motor and 20" x 55" live running area to the $1699 top of the line LS16.9T with a 3.25 chp motor, 20" x 60" live running area and wireless heart rate control.

Live Strong Ellipticals
The elliptical offerings from Live Strong aren't as varied as the treadmills with only (3) models making the initial curatin call. The budget elliptical in the group is the $799 LS7.9E with no incline option and 8 programs while the $1299 flagship LS12.9E is outfitted with 21 levels of incline, a 10+ livetrack fitness journal and wireless heart rate control.

***All ellipticals in their lineup use the same 23 pound flywheel and 20" stride

Live Strong Cycle
The lone offering from Live Strong in exercise bikes is the LS9.9IC which is a spin style bike. My guess with the bike offering is that they catered to Mr. Armstrong with the initial release and pegged a median price point with more bikes to be released as the sales numbers or inquiries demand it.

From the look of things it appears the the LiveStrongFitness brand has done their homework on the design and pricing of their equipment (not surprising considering they're manufactured by Johnson Health Tech who also make the Vision and Horizon brands) and should be a staunch competitor in the sweet spot of the home fitness market.

Visit LiveStongFitness.com for specifics on their entire model line

Question

I want to firm up and lose weight and feel better - I cannot afford to buy several machines - I have to keep it under $600 if possible - is it best to get a Treadmill or Elliptical for overall weight loss? I am in my mid 40's and weigh around 180. I want the most bang for my buck. Thanks!

Answer

Trying to decide between a treadmill or elliptical trainer for weight loss is a common dilema that many of my visitors face, and some freakout about it to the point of having paralysis by analysis and end up doing nothing.

I've covered this topic (and many similar questions) in great detail on the blog on the following posts:

Elliptical vs Treadmill

Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainer for burning Calories

Treadmill vs Exercise Bike

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine

Treadmill vs Road Running

I hope that helps answer your question, "Treadmill or Elliptical for Weight Loss". If there is anything you are still confused about, drop me a line and let me know so I can help you out.

Here's a new workout I came across today from Reebok called "Jukari Fit to Fly Circ De Soleil Experience" that is targeted at women who, according to Reebok's polls have suggested "Women perceived exercise as a chore, were unmotivated and uninspired to exercise but would workout more often if the gym was fun."

So what does the Jukari workout and gym entail exactly?

Fit To Fly is an hour long group training class that, at least for now, can only be performed at select health clubs on the East and West Coast who offer the class (no mention of a home version yet as they are still rolling out the group classes).

The apparatus used in the Jukari Fit To Fly (JFF) is a device called the Flyset which looks like a combination of a Trapeeze and a TRX Suspension Trainer that I have been recommending for the past two years.

Class members use the Flyset for spinning, swinging, stretching and hanging for a total body workout that's a cross between cardio, strength training and circus stunts.

In combination with the JFF Workout, Reebok has released a new line of shoes and apparel called the "On The Move Collection" and "Easy Tone Shoes" which are available exclusively at Reebok.com.

Is the new Fit To Fly Workout and Gym for you?

As rediculous as I thought the workout sounded from the press release (before looking at it on Reebok.com) I would have said no - but with it's similarity (nice way to say ripoff the TRX Suspension Trainer) I know that body weight workouts using gravity work extremely well at helping you get in shape fast. And yes, they can be fun too.

Did you see the TRX Gym on the Biggest Loser where Bob had the Pink and Blue couples outside for their workouts because they lost their gym privileges?

They got a killer workout using their body weight as resistance and loved every minute of it!

I hate to break it to Bob, and the Biggest loser TV show, but I've been telling my readers of the Exercise Equipment Expert blog about the TRX Gym Suspension Trainer since 2007 (see my video review here on the blog)

Oddly enough, I didn't get a mention on the show for turning them on to this home gym but I'll forgive them this one time because I'm feeling nice today.

If you missed TRX Gym on the Biggest Loser, you can watch the entire video clip below - enjoy…

Get the TRX Gym on Biggest Loser Couples on sale w/ Free Shipping

Today I reviewed the TRX Suspension Trainer X Mount for attaching the TRX to a ceiling or wall in any room in your home to make training on it even easier and more effective.

If you've watched my TRX Suspension Trainer Review video here on the blog, you know that I've been using the TRX while it's been attached to my old smith machine and more recently our new functional trainer.

The installation of the TRX X Mount was quick and easy. I used a stud finder to locate the centerline of my ceiling joist, marked the attachment points with a pencil and used a 1/4" drill bit to make the holes.

I then installed the X Mount with the supplied lag bolts and started using it within 10-15 minutes. If you haven't tried the TRX yet, do it! It's the best home gym under $200 on the market and will make your home workouts fun instead of a pain in the neck…

Get the TRX Suspension Trainer and X Mount home gym bundle here on sale w/ free shipping.

Thinking about getting the Iron Gym you saw on TV but want to see a review first?

Today is your lucky day because I just bought one, built it, tested it and will tell you everything there is to know about the Iron Gym pull up bar… Enjoy!

Get the Iron Gym Pull Up Bar on Sale w/ Free Shipping

Here's a quick video of my wife Grechen doing some strength building moves on the home pliates machine from Bayou fitness.

As you'll see in the video, this Pilates machine is a combination unit that crosses a traditional pilates trainer (resistance bands built-in) and a glide board gym that can be used for strength building and flexibility workouts as well.

The machine performed admirably as it was put through a number of varied workouts with my wifes full roster of clients in her studio - it's well built, smooth and sturdy, just like all the other Bayou gyms we've tested (and the Total Trainer Power Pro we own).

If you're looking for an afforable home pilates machine that will double as a strength trainer the new Bayou Total Trainer Strength Plus Pilates is a winner.

For more information and specs on the Total Trainer Pilates Plus visit Bayou Fitness.

Question

I've appreciated reading your reviews and the answers you've given to the questions people have submitted. I'm wondering if you can give me some input to help me make a decision on the best elliptical for me to buy.

I'm 39 years old and really enjoy running but have had problems with my feet (neuromas) and one of my knees so my running is limited. I can feel myself getting out of shape so I was looking at ellipticals. I had narrowed my choice down to the Sole e95 elliptical and the NordicTrack ACT elliptical.

But then I saw the NordicTrack FreeStrider 35 S. I can't find one to try out but I like the idea of the longer stride length. When I look at the picture of it though, I can't tell if the motion would seem quite unnatural and if it would put stress on my lower back. I'd really appreciate any advice you could give me as to which machine would be best to purchase. Thanks so much for your help… Marlene

Answer

Sorry to hear about your aching feet and knee Marlene, as you and thousands of other people have discovered running can cause a lot of premature wear and tear on the joints, ligaments and tendons. I think you're smart to look for an alternative to pounding the pavement , as given some time, training on an elliptical should help diminish or alleviate some of your injury problems.

You're the second person to ask me about the Nordictrack Free Strider Elliptical. I wrote a post about my initial impressions of the Freestrider machine here, but have been unable to track one down in person to try it out.

I do recommend the two ellipticals on your short list (the Sole E95 and the Nordictrack ACT) so either one would make a fine choice. The Sole is a front drive machine with a long track record of solid performance and reliability, and the Nordictrack ACT is a newer center drive machine with a smaller footprint and much different stride character.

So what is the best elliptical for you?

I don't think you can go wrong with either machine, but my personal opinion is to get the Sole E95. Why? I like how the front drive ellipticals ride and you're getting a proven winner and class leader with a long warranty. That's not to say the Nordictrack ACT is a bad machine, it's just not my cup of tea.

Here are the links to my full reviews of the two ellipticals you are considering - Happy New Year!

Sole E95 Elliptical Review

Nordictrack ACT Elliptical Review

Question

I am trying to lose 25-30 pounds. I recently tried a personal trainer at a local gym who left me unmotivated and disappointed. After I decided to quit the workouts he told me I needed 4-5 days of 45 minutes of cardio to get the results I wanted. So if it's all about cardio why does the average person need a personal trainer?

Anyway I already own a 15 year old Nordic Track Ski Machine that still works great. It is one of the ones that has the wooden skis on it. Is it good enough for cardio? And how much would I need to use it to see results?? I am a 42 year old woman,5-'3" tall and weight 138 lbs. with no health problems.

Answer

You shouldn't have any problem at all using a Nordictrack for weight loss. The old Nordictrack Ski Machine is highly underrated - if you own one already, use it! The only thing I would recommend is getting a heart rate monitor to track your cardio and you're good to go.

Weight loss is NOT all about cardio, it's about a combination of cardio, proper eating habits and strength training. It sounds to me like your personal trainer is either stupid or lazy if they told you that.

My wife and I put together a comprehensive guide to cardio training that you can get for free right here. Follow what the manual says, incorporate some strength training and a good diet and the weight will come off. There's no magic bullet.

Go here to read my complete Nordictrack Ski Machine review

Question

How effective is the Abrail exercise equipment? Do you recommend it?

Answer

The Abrail is the best ab training system I've ever seen, it will literally melt away fat from your abs in just minutes a day. All it takes is just a few minutes a day, three or four times a week and before you know it you're gonna have ripped six-pack abs that everyone will notice and envy.

What sets the Abrail apart from old fashioned ab machines is the Abrail's revolutionary "Isoglide Technology" that fires your abs in a perfect ab sculpting sequence. Regular crunches and sit-ups can’t target those hard to lose love handles - With AbRail you can focus on those trouble spots while working all other areas of your abs simultaneously.

Holly, the brunette in their website video says, "All I did was use the Abrail for a few minutes a day crunching up and down, working all my areas - the obliques, the front - and it got rid of all this excess fat that I've been struggling to get rid of forever".

Adding to what Holly said, an independent study also concluded that the Abrail is, "significantly better than a standard crunch".

Had you going there didn't I… now here's my real take on the Abrail.

I wouldn't pay $10 for the Abrail, let alone $200 or $300 that I've seen these sold for. There are so many holes in the logic of this machine I don't even know where to start - or end.

First of all, with all due respect to Holly as she seems like a nice gal, what? What on earth are you talking about? The Abrail got rid of excess fat around your stomach? You just used the machine for 90 seconds a day (as the manufacturer claims it's just 30 seconds down the middle… 30 seconds to the right… and 30 seconds to the left and you're done).

Do you realize Holly, that you've just discovered the most amazing exercise known to man that defies all known scientific research done on cellular metabolism? You may want to tell Abrail Fitness LLC to charge 10-20 times the amount they are because they're sitting on a virtual gold mine with their new patented technology!

Second, what independent study? The study was done by who? Where? Using what methods? If the study was so conclusive, you would think that they would post the results front and center on the website and beat their chest about it. Oddly enough there is no mention of it anywhere else but the video and the claim of "significantly better than a crunch" is so vague it can't even be quantified.

It's like saying that, "Peanut Butter Captain Crunch is significantly better than Captain Crunch with Crunchberries". What does that even mean?

I think this comment from a visitor to Infomercial Ratings sums it up best, "I've been using the product (Abrail) faithfully 5 times a week for two months I sometimes double the workout. I find my neck gets tired. I haven't seen any change in my abs but I do feel stronger in the mid section. If I had to do it all over again I would pass on it. I'll assume it's what you eat that will give you the abs you're looking for without purchasing expensive abs machines".

Ding, ding, ding - we have a winner! At least someone has come to this conclusion on their own, too bad it cost them hundreds of bucks to get there.

Will the Abrail make your abs stronger? Yes it will, just as doing any number of ab exercises will.

Will the Abrail "give you lean and sculpted abs fast" and "target those love handles" as the manufacturer claims? No it won't - not unless you get your body fat levels down to 12 - 15% or lower - otherwise you might as well forget it.

If you really want great abs and aren't afraid of putting in some honest effort to get them, check this resource for answers about ab training and weight loss.