Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Precor Treadmills - Exercise Equipment You Can Trust

Precor Treadmills - Exercise Equipment You Can Trust
 by: Dean Iggo
Precor treadmills are synonymous with quality. They have been in the fitness industry for over 20 years and have invested millions into research and development to provide the best quality machines. All their treadmills have long warranties which are a testament to their quality.
Just go down to your local gym and you are bound to see a number of Precor treadmills being battered continuously for hours a day. Just think...if they are good enough for these commercial gyms then you can guarantee that they will stack up in your own home gym.
Although super high quality, Precor treadmills are also quite expensive. You will be lucky pick one up for much less than $3000 so if you are trying to buy a treadmill on the cheap then this may not be the best option for you.
However if you consider all the advantages you get with the trusted Precor brand, you'll understand why they price these machines as such.
Advantages
Precor treadmills are backed by one of the best warranties around. They offer lifetime warranties on their treadmill frames and welds, 10 years on parts and a year on labor. They use the highest quality materials and their customer testimonials are superb. This just shows how confident the company is with the quality and durability of their treadmills.
Aside from quality, Precor treadmills are also known for being loaded with features. They have powerful motors, wide running surfaces and are very quiet.
Disadvantages
The price is the only disadvantage I can see with these machines. I feel that $3000-$5000 is a lot to pay for a treadmill to be used at home. I believe the Precor name increases the purchase price and unless you are a dedicated runner, have money to spare or know you are going to be using the treadmill often then it might be more than you need.
Some people also say that it is too big. However I feel this is one of its benefits as it adds stability and a long, wide running surface.
Recommendation
Precor manufactures probably one of the highest quality treadmills in the market today, which they back up wholeheartedly as can be seen by the length of their warranties. So, I would recommend buying Precor treadmills but only if you could afford one. It is one of the best in the market right now but at the same time it is also one of the most expensive.

Summer Skin Tips

Summer Skin Tips
 by: Gary Gresham
Once again, winter has faded into Spring and Spring has burst into Summer along with Summer skin. Next comes the invincible Summer sun, your skin's arch-enemy, particularly if you play or exercise outdoors.
Most people know that using sunscreen protection is essential. There are a number of ways to promote a healthy glow without exposing your skin to harmful rays. To help avoid Summer skin when playing or exercising outdoors on a hot, sunny day here are a few tips.
Lightweight and light colored clothing combined with plenty of sunscreen protection on exposed and unexposed skin is a good way to protect yourself.
If overheating isn't a concern, dark colored, tightly woven clothing is more effective at blocking UV rays. Light colored clothing lets the sun and UV rays reach the skin more easily.
Another barrier against sun damage comes in the form of eyewear. Protect not only your eyes, but also the skin around them by wearing sunglasses that block 90 percent to 100 percent of the sun's UV rays.
Always wear a hat. Though a cap may be more comfortable for jogging, try a wide brimmed hat that will shade your neck and face while gardening or walking outside.
Now that you know how to protect the skin's surface, it's time to start thinking about what you can do to make a healthy glow from the inside out. You're already off to a good start with some form of exercise, which gets the blood circulating and delivers fresh oxygen to the skin all over your body.
The next step is to drink plenty of water. Outdoor play or exercise, especially in the Summer, increases your risk of dehydration. This is one risk you don't want to take since it not only affects your performance and robs your skin of vitality, but also may be potentially hazardous to your health.
Be sure to drink fluids before, during and after physical activity. To replenish your fluids after any outdoor activity, weigh yourself before you participate and then weigh again after. Any weight you lost is water and should be replaced by drinking two glasses (16 ounces) of water for every pound you have lost.
Summer is a time for sun, fun and physical activity. Sipping on a cool drink, participating in your favorite activity and enjoying the long days of summer. No matter what you like to do, with a little insight and these few tips you can help alleviate the effects of Summer skin and make your Summer one you will enjoy.
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Image Treadmills - The Cheapest Treadmills in the Icon Range

Image Treadmills - The Cheapest Treadmills in the Icon Range
 by: Dean Iggo
Image treadmills are a well known brand, being made by the world recognized company, Icon Health and Fitness. Icon produce a number of high quality brands including Proform, Weslo and Healthrider as well as licenses to the popular Golds Gym and Reebok brands. However despite this proud family of fitness equipment I believe the Image treadmill range is the runt of the litter!
Don't get me wrong...Image treadmills have there place in the market but if you are serious about exercising at home for the long run (excuse the pun) then you should look at better quality machines.
The first thing that makes me suspicious is...the price. The treadmills range from between $400 to $1700. If you expect to spend $500 and buy a good quality treadmill that will last for years and years then you're kidding yourself. This might also reflect on why they are the least popular of the Icon range of fitness equipment.
Also the warranty on the machines is only 90 days. This is very low and probably a reflection of their quality. Most decent treadmills have at least a 6 month warranty so this in itself would put me off the range.
However...if you really are on a budget the only image treadmill I would recommend is the Image 10.0 treadmill.
Advantages
Image treadmills belong to the low to mid price category with treadmills priced from as low as $400 to some as high as $1,700 however most are less than $1000. They have a good range of features including heart rate monitors and impact absorption. The Image 10.0 treadmill is the best model.
Disadvantages
Being in a low price range makes you question their quality and durability. The 90 day warranty is further proof that this is a budget range. It is the least popular brand in the Icon range which suggests that customer testimonials and experience is quite average.
Recommendation
In conclusion, I don't recommend buying Image treadmills due to their poor quality and warranty. Don't expect their treadmills to be problem free for long. If however you really are on a tight budget then the Image 10.0 treadmill is a budget treadmill to consider.

Seven Tips to Maximize Savings on Prescriptions

Seven Tips to Maximize Savings on Prescriptions
 by: Dwain Berlin
Seven Tips to Maximize Savings on Prescriptions
1. When you travel, bring a copy of your prescriptions with you.
- In Mexico, only a few meds require a written prescription because most of them are over the counter there. Take your prescription with you though, just in case your medication is the one that requires a written prescription.
- In Canada, a copy of your written prescription is mandatory. You will need to see a Canadian Doctor to get a Canadian prescription. Allow two to four hours for that because you'll be waiting in a walk-in clinic on a first come, first serve basis. The Canadian Doctor will need to see a copy of your written prescription, consult with you, and there will be a charge for that service.
2. Check with the Medicine Program to see if you are eligible for assistance. Here is their contact information. P.O.Box 1089, Poplar Bluff MO 63902-1089 Phone: 866.694.3893 | Fax: 573.778.1420 | help@themedicineprogram.com | themedicineprogram.com
3. Veterans should check with the V.A. for updates on what is available now. Many don't know what their full benefits are.
4. Contact the drug manufacturer. Sometimes they will give you a free treatment or a few months supply, if you can prove your need and are unable to pay for it.
5. Ask your Doctor for samples! Even if it's short term, every little bit helps.
6. Ask your Doctor if he / she knows of someone who's meds have recently changed, or if someone who died recently was taking the same pills as you.
7. Get your meds delivered by mail from Canada. Canadian medications are identical to American medications, the savings can be substantial and there are a number of generics there that are not available State side. Opening an account with a Canadian prescription service is easier than you think.

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