Kettler have just launched their new range of cardio machines that includes the Nordic Trainer.

If you’re into cross-country skiing and want to get fit for the winter, then why not consider the Nordic Trainer.

It combines tried and tested cross-country training technique known as “extended motion” with a rope-pull system, thereby effectively exercising all the body’s muscle groups.

It’s not just a great workout for skiing but it also gives you a great cardio workout and also works your upper and lower body at the same time.

With cushioned steps and freely swinging arms you can train just as effectively as when running. The main advantage of the Nordic Trainer is that you will be using considerably more muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on the joints.

The long flat elliptical movement avoids the jarring impact of running when your foot hits the ground. The rope-pull system also helps to tone the muscles of your arms and torso.

Not surprisingly, the calorie consumption and oxygen absorption are up to 50% higher than during normal walking. Regular exercise with the Nordic Trainer will surely help you to drop those excess pounds and get a great workout.

Kettler have just launched their latest range of fitness equipment that includes Tour Concept 1.0 software which is compatible with their Ergo Racer GT.

Tour Concept 1.0 is the first GPS-controlled training software for ergometers, cross-trainers and treadmills that have a compatible computer interface.

You can cycle your favourite training route or even a section of the Tour de France. No need to worry about the road conditions, wind or weather and all possible in the comfort of your own home!

You can record the GPS data on one of your training trips or plan a trip in interactive map system mode. Then cycle over the route you have planned using animated 3D maps, in the comfort of your own living room.

All the training data can be recorded for later reporting and analysis.

Now you can have an outdoor experience in the comfort of your own home.

With the IAAF World Championships underway in Osaka, Polar Electro (UK) Ltd can claim to be at the heart of UK Athletics.

Polar have made a significant investment in the sport by supplying 100 of their technologically advanced heart rate monitors to the UK’s leading athletes and coaches for the 2007 Championships.

There’s no doubt that Polar Electro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heart rate monitoring, registering and evaluation equipment. They have invested heavily to produce innovative products that combine a deep understanding of the human body and the environment.

The use of this advanced technology allows coaches to accurately monitor the athlete during their training sessions. Coaches can download the results to their computer and check the performance of their athlete, thus making sure that they get the best from their training sessions.

However, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to use a heart rate monitor or get the benefits from wearing one. A heart rate monitor can keep you focused and help you get the maximum benefit from your workouts within the time you have available.

At fitness-etc we believe that it’s important to monitor your heart rate while exercising. Your heart is a reliable personal indicator of the intensity of your workout and knowing the intensity of your exercise can help you to maximize each session.

According to Sir Steven Redgrave, if you’re thinking of getting fitter, losing some weight and generally improving your health, then the single best fitness machine for you is the Concept 2 Indoor Rower. Throughout his rowing career, it formed one of the main building blocks of his training. “No matter how hard I tried, I could never beat it. It never broke and it never let me down” he said.

The quality of the machine, the similarity to rowing on the water and the accuracy of the feedback enabled Sir Steven to attain a level of fitness and mental toughness far beyond anything he had achieved in his early days. Read more »

6’4” Freddie is a hard hitting, fast bowling, larger than life character who has developed into the favourite amongst fans – the one they all come out of the bars to watch!

Although Freddie has suffered through injuries, he has recently emerged fitter than ever and looks ready to establish himself amongst the all-time greats. To ensure that he maintains his high level of fitness, Freddie will be working out regularly on his newly installed Johnson fitness equipment.

To maintain his peak fitness level - which enabled him to work up a 90mph pace with the ball - Johnson Read more »

Buying an elliptical trainer can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a machine that’ll meet your needs.

Why do I want an elliptical trainer?
You may have already decide that you want to get fit and that you want an elliptical trainer, but, just pause for a second and write down your reasons.

Remember, the machine will occupy a reasonable amount of space and will remain in the garage, bedroom or lounge for a long time each day without it being used. Therefore, you want to make sure that you will use it, that it will fit in comfortably with your surroundings and you like the look of it. Getting the right machine could save you a gym membership.

How will I use the machine?
Depending on how you’re going to use the trainer will depend on the type you should buy. If you’re going to use the machine at a low intensity a few times a week then you could buy a cheaper machine with a less powerful motor. However, if you’re looking to do some rigorous workouts then you’ll need to spend at the higher end of the market.

How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the machine will influence the type of elliptical you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend the better the build quality, the more functions you get and aftercare service. Read more »

Buying a treadmill can be a daunting experience. With so many different brands and treadmills to choose from it’s difficult to know which is the right one for you. However, if you follow a few guidelines then you should be able to narrow your choice and select a treadmill that meets your needs.

How much do I want to spend?
The amount of money you have available to spend and how you’re going to use the treadmill will influence the type of treadmill you should buy. As a rule of thumb, the more you have to spend, the better the build quality, the more functions and aftercare service you get.

How much space have I got?
Treadmills occupy a reasonable amount of space. For safety reasons, you should also have an additional run off area at the back of the treadmill of around 3 meters. If space is an issue, then consider a folding treadmill. These have improved dramatically in recent years. The more reputable brands are of solid construction and have excellent functions. Read more »

Polar Electro and adidas have formed a partnership that will introduce the world’s first completely integrated training system*. Called “adidas – Polar Co-operation”, it integrates Polar heart rate, speed and distance monitoring equipment into adidas apparel and footwear.

The integration simplifies use and increases comfort, allowing the products to become part of the athlete.

Included in the project are the adiStar Fusion range of apparel (t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, bras, women’s tops), the adidas and adiStar Fusion shoe, Polar’s s3™ Stride Sensor, The Polar WearLink™ transmitter, and The Polar RS800™ Running Computer. Read more »

The Elliptical Trainer is basically an indoor cross country ski machine that can help you improve your cardiovascular fitness. It’s also great for shaping and toning the muscles in your legs, arms and chest. Not surprisingly it’s one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment used in the gym or at home.

The Elliptical Trainer can help you to get the maximum benefit from your cardiovascular session within the time you have available. It’s a low impact machine which means that there is less stress placed on your joints when exercising. Read more »

The treadmill is an indoor running machine that can help you improve your cardiovascular fitness. It’s one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment used in the gym or at home.

The treadmill can help you to get the maximum benefit from your cardiovascular session within the time you have available. You don’t have to worry about the weather, pollution, road surfaces, uneven terrain, pedestrians or road users. Read more »