Nordictrack Coupons

Exclusive Discounts & Coupons For Nordictrack Fitness Equipment

Archives for August 2012

Tips For Your First 5K and How to Improve Your 5K Running Times

By

 

5K LogoSigning up for a 5K is great motivational tool to start an exercise program, and having a goal in mind helps to keep you focused. A 5K is only 3.1 miles so it’s a great start for new runners and the perfect distance for first-time racers, while also still being challenging and fun for those 5K veterans.

If you are new to 5K’s after you’ve made the first step and signed up, knowing where to start from there can be a bit intimidating. We don’t want the unpreparedness or intimidation to throw you off your first 5K motivational wagon, so we’ve found a few tips to help keep you on track and to the finish line in record time, along with a few tips for those veterans in helping to improve their times. [Read more…]

Using Plyometric Exercises to Improve Your Running Speed

By

Here at NordicTrackCoupons.com we know many of our readers are runners, and with that being said, what’s the one thing most of you runners are aiming for when it comes to improving your runs? Lowering your running times and achieving faster speed results. But how are you going to do that is the question we really need to be addressing! According to an article from LiveStrong.com Plyometric Exercises for Running Speed, “If you want to become a faster runner, plyometric exercises can put some speed in your step.”

Plyometric JumpFirst let’s go over what plyometric exercises are exactly so we’re all up to “speed” here (pun intended). According to Wikipedia the definition of plyometrics are exercises that use “explosive, fast-acting movements to develop muscular power and to improve overall speed…allows muscles to exert maximum force in the shortest amount of time possible.”

Plyometric exercises include exercises that usually involve jumping of some sort. Some examples include: jumping in the air, landing and then immediately pushing back out into another jump; jumping off a box onto the floor and onto another higher box; barrier lateral jumps; and the ever most popular burpee. [Read more…]

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Exercise Bike Workout

By

We’ve told you before in a previous post Benefits of the Stationary Bike, despite the bad rap they sometimes seem to get, do make for a great cardio workout and can aid you in your weight loss goals. They are easier on the body than treadmills, yet still work your cardiovascular system with all the hard pushing of the pedals.

In our last post we simply only mentioned all the pros that stationary exercise bikes have to offer, which I am sure only left you wanting to try one out for yourself. So today we are back with more exercise bike loving, and to give you some tips and tricks from Cardio Exercises on Exercise Bikes to maximize your workout time on these machines. [Read more…]

Debunking the Top Cardio Machine Myths

By

As you may suspect, we are big fans of cardio exercise machines here, and know that is why many of you come to us to help you not only purchase your cardio machines, but to learn about ways to better utilize your machines.

Cardio Machines

An article from SparkPeople.com titled Busting the Top 4 Cardio Machine Myths explains the four most common myths many believe when it comes to cardio machines, and how some of them may actually be derailing your results.

We thought it’d be a good idea to share with our readers the myths, and ways to make sure you don’t these myths get in the way of your success. [Read more…]

How to Conquer Energy Zappers and Power through Your Workout

By

Exercise Fatigue

Ever feel as if you just don’t have enough energy to power through your workouts?! Not having enough energy before and during your workouts is sure fire way to sabotage your workout by not allowing you to give your all, and therefore not allowing you to receive your optimal results.

While there could be a variety of different reasons why your workout is zapping your energy, there are simple things you can do to fix each of these problems. Here at NordicTrackCoupons.com we want to ensure that our readers are getting the most from your workouts and obtaining the results you are looking for as quickly as possible.

Below are a few reasons why most people aren’t having enough energy to last through their workouts, and a few easy solutions to these problems: [Read more…]

Up the Fun Factor: How to Love Exercise

By

Don’t quit your exercise routine through boredom. It’s easy to maintain an exercise plan when you know how to make it fun.

Ask almost anyone if they would like to become more fit, feel better, improve their body tone and increase their energy levels, and the answer would be a resounding ‘yes’. So why do many people struggle to reach their objectives? Here are some of the most common reasons why exercise can be difficult to fit into a regular routine, along with some suggestions of ways to overcome common objections to exercising that we all have at one time or another.

Exercise Boredom

source

I try to exercise but I find it boring. What can I do?

Exercise is often deemed to be boring when you think about going to the gym for a long time or stepping out for a lengthy walk or run. The thought that your exercise routine, along with all the preparation and travel that go with it, might not be over for a couple of hours can feel like just too much to bear. The idea of spending 20 to 30 minutes or more on a particular cardio machine, or running through the same exercise programme or class, can also fill you with despair. [Read more…]

Should I Use a Heart Rate Monitor?

By

Ever see those people wearing something around their chest when running on the treadmill, or always looking down at one of those fancy watches when running? Well they are not just there for a little extra bling to add to their workout attire, these are devices worn to measure your heart rate.

They can either be watches or chest straps as mentioned, and are great tools to help find your “exercise sweet spot” while working out, yet are they really necessary?! Some say they are and have found them to be more beneficial to their workouts, while others have found them to not be necessary and discovered their own ways to monitor their heart.

First let’s start with why many people wear them to begin with. Many athletes use these heart rate monitor tools to help them find a so-called “exercise sweet spot” to make sure their heart rate stays within an optimal range. This is range is  between where they are pushing their body yet not hard enough to risk any injury or overuse, otherwise known as your target heart rate zone.

Target Heart Rate Zone [Read more…]

Why You Should Cooldown After Cardio!

By

You’ve finally listened to us and realized why you should add cardio into your life, so you’ve just pushed yourself through a grueling cardio workout and are so excited to be done; now with the shower calling your name, the last thing you want to do is spend any more time doing a measly cool down.

We’ve talked before in a previous post about all the steps to take before your workouts, which you can read more about here, yet there are also things you need to be doing after your workouts as well. Many overlook the importance of cool downs after their cardio workouts, when in fact they may be just as important as the warm-up.

Cool Down on the Treadmill [Read more…]

Race-day Nutrition Tips for Runners

By

Here at NordicTrackCoupons.com we know many of you visit our blog in hopes of getting fitness advice and tips to helping you reach your fitness goals. Whether your goal be to lose weight, build muscle, or simple to become healthier, along with exercise, diet is going to play a big role in helping your reach your fitness goals.

Fitness and Nutrition

As we told you in a previous post, eating 60-90 minutes before your workout is going to help fuel your body, giving you energy and making your workout more effective. You are going to want to follow this rule with any workout you do, whether that be cardio or strength training, yet what you eat may differ from workout to workout. [Read more…]

4 Steps to Do Before to Make Your Workouts More Effective

By

No matter what workout you are getting yourself into, there are certain things that need to be done to help you achieve the most from your workout. I know we are all pressed for time as it is, and are eager to jump right into the workout itself, but if you do not take the proper steps before each workout, you could be sabotaging your results, or worse lead yourself into a preventable injury.

If you plan ahead and warm up properly you will have a more effective workout and produce better results, as well as be less prone to injury. This article, 4 Things You Should Do Before Every Workout from LiveStrong.com gives you four quick steps you can take before your workout to help you achieve more effective workouts: [Read more…]