March 27th, 2012 by jbrooks | No Comments | Filed under Fitness Tips
Few workouts offer the convenience and advantages of a cardio workout on an elliptical trainer. The weather is never too hot or cold, it never rains on you while you are using it and you get to dictate the pace and intensity without having to worry about how far back you have to go to your starting point. Watch television, listen to music or your favorite pod cast, or even read a book while you burn away the calories while enjoying the rhythmic motion.
Ellipticals are not just for those afraid of aggravating existing injuries but for anyone seeking a complete low impact exercise with a a more challenging experience than a treadmill. On an elliptical you are the motor, you create the energy and the momentum, you have to push to achieve your goals as well as vary the direction of the motion to get the full body affect. Unlike the treadmill that merely requires you to hit start and not fall off, the elliptical requires your participation and as a result is much more engaging. Jump on lets get started!
1) Start slowly with little resistance and be sure to get your feet into a comfortable position and distance apart, warm up for five minutes at a level three. Not breathing hard, able to speak easily and just reaching the point where you feel your blood beginning to pump.
2) Slowly increase your effort to a level seven (do this incrementally over the next ten minutes), the point where it just becomes difficult to carry on a conversation. Increase the resistance to control your momentum but to the point you feel any pressure on your knees or feel it necessary to apply additional pressure with your feet, about a third of the way up whichever scale your machine allows. Change direction every so often to target the quads and calves while in reverse.
3) Once you have reached level seven maintain this level for at least 20 minutes and remember to stay in an upright position not leaning into the steps, this will keep the stress to your back and joints at a minimum. At this level an average sized man or woman will burn close to 300 calories per 30 minutes. Engage the arms and core (if you have a Yowza Cardio Core elliptical) to increase the blood flow and strengthen your abdominal s.
4) Now depending on your fitness level and comfort, increase the speed and resistance for one minute intervals to a level 8 or 9, no conversation possible and 80% of your maximum effort, decrease to 50% effort for two minutes and alternate for 3 cycles. This will help build your stamina, increase your strength and get the maximum results. Over time increase the ratio by going to one minute each hard and easy to eventually two minutes hard and one minute easy. Increasing the intensity of the workouts is more important than increasing the time. A great work out can be had in 30 to 45 minutes by using this interval component.
5) The last five minutes should be at 20% effort to allow your body to eliminate the lactic acid and to cool down. Ok, turn off the iPod and you are done!
The Best part of all this is? You can do it every day without the worry of aching feet and knees-NO IMPACT!
December 6th, 2011 by Joe Alter | 1 Comment | Filed under Equipment
Sebring Transformer Treadmill
Check out the new Osprey and Sebring Transformer™ treadmills and you’d be hard pressed to tell that they can be folded up into a compact storage position. That is because these machines are not built on the subframe style folding design that all other companies are using. The end result is a much better looking and better performing treadmill that resembles health club non-folding style machines.
November 29th, 2011 by Joe Alter | No Comments | Filed under Equipment, Nutrition
It is amazing that with all of the fitness products that have come out over the years, there has never been a product that has made it easy to reach your target body weight. Yowza Fitness has just introduced our new IWM (Intelligent Workout Management) system. Currently available on our Daytona and Sebring treadmills, the IWM system comes with a precise digital wireless weight scale. Just press the IWM button on the console and step onto the scale and IWM does the rest! The machine will compute your BMI (Body Mass Index) and will assign a target weight based on that and other variables. The treadmill will automatically control your speed and incline in order to get you to your target body weight. Each day, you will weigh yourself prior to the workout and the machine will make incremental adjustments in order to keep you on track. For a full description of Intelligent Workout Management click on the IWM logo on our homepage http://www.yowzafitness.com/.
October 20th, 2010 by Joe Alter | 1 Comment | Filed under Equipment
Please read this letter that I just received from one of our customers Ken Brown who bought a Navarre elliptical.
Ken Brown - Yowza Navarre user
It was a cold January 2010 here in Missoula, Montana as I watched the snow fall outside and I was in my polar bear hibernation mode gaining weight and becoming more and more lethargic that I knew something had to be done. I was beginning to crest the 400lb mark and at 6’1” even with my large frame the weight was beginning to take a major toll on my quality of life. I began doing extensive research as most folks do during their New Year’s resolution to lose weight on what options there were for someone of a large size to begin to work on getting some type of cardio workout to burn calories and lose weight without having the luxury of going outside. I wanted something that I could do that did not have to involve travel outside especially with the bad weather that could easily be in my home. With it in my home, it would also remind me daily that I needed to keep on pace on my goal to lose weight.
In February 2010, I made the decision to purchase a Yowza Navarre Elliptical. It was the best rated unit for someone of my size within the price range that I wanted to spend for a unit that was not commercially rated. Not only have I been extremely excited with my unit but I am here to testify to the support and service that Yowza stands behind their products 100%. I did experience a few minor issues with the unit in the beginning and Yowza quickly found a local representative right here in Missoula that was qualified to work on my unit and had me back in operation within days. From the online trouble ticketing system to the quick response by the customer service and sales staff, Yowza is a top notch customer oriented organization that puts the customer first no matter the level of fitness.
As you can see from the pictures of me in January and today, I am over half way to my goal of loosing close to 150lbs and thanks to Yowza and my new Elliptical I have a way to safely and comfortably get there. If you are someone that has to lose 10, 100lbs, or more I highly recommend that you look into an elliptical especially the units from Yowza. They are one of the top of the line on the market for low impact and high cardio workouts that give you great results. I even liked it so much that I joined the Yowza Demo Program and I am a product representative right here in Missoula. So if you are in my area and would like to take a test drive of the Navarre just contact Yowza.
June 15th, 2010 by Joe Alter | No Comments | Filed under Equipment
In any industry, you will see manufacturers selling antiquated designs while trying to make it appear that there is some advantage of a larger specification for some key component. Car companies still make 5.0 liter V-8′s when turbochargers or gas/electric hybrids can create more torque while using less fuel. Computer manufactures brag about their Intel processor speed, but Apple is able to blow them all away by using better software.
For the first 8 years that we manufactured ellipticals we used a single-stage drive system, which required a very heavy flywheel (between 45 and 62 lbs. depending on the model). With that design, you would have felt a little lag or hesitation in the motion if the flywheel was not heavy enough. Most manufacturers on the low end of the market had that problem but with our heavy flywheel design, ours were nice and smooth.
But like any other industry where new technological advances tend to obsolete the established norm, there is a better way to go. High end, rear drive units like those made by Yowza, Precor and Life Fitness have multi-staged electro-magnetic drive systems which can create an even smoother feel than the old weighted fixed-magnet designs. The reason for this is because with the newer rear-drive ellipticals it is possible to create a massive amount of inertia by making the aluminum disc that runs through the braking system spin faster. Additionally, these new drive systems will allow for more levels of resistance and therefore you can fine tune your workout even better.
Front drive ellipticals, by their nature have less inertia and therefore have to require a weighted flywheel in order to work well. But beware that there are still a couple of manufacturers who are still selling the old weighted flywheel designs simply because they are concerned about infringing on the various design patents that are out there.
April 2nd, 2010 by Joe Alter | 13 Comments | Filed under Equipment
Just like in any business we get lots of calls from potential customers who all seem to ask the same questions over and over again. Will my elliptical fit under a 7′ ceiling in my basement? If I put my treadmill in the garage and it is humid will it void my warranty? bla bla bla. But there is one issue that bugs me and it has something to do with our business model.
Yowza was founded based on the idea that a truly factory direct business model can save consumers hundreds or even thousands on their purchase. But, by selling direct we are eliminating the retail showrooms where folks may want try out the unit. We do explain that we have a 60 day in-home trial period where you can return the machine if you don’t like it for a full refund. But considering the return shipping cost and size of our products, that can be a daunting task.
So I’d like to float the idea of starting a “Happy Yowza customer 10 minute demo program” the idea is that Yowza customers could voluntarily sign on to allow potential customers to come over and try our machine in a home setting for roughly about 10 minutes. The “happy customer” who provides the demo will get some sort of compensation for this service. We have talked about things like paying $50 for every demo that results in a sale, or giving a discount up front with the purchase if you sign onto the demo program. To be honest, I am open to any and all suggestions as this exercise is just to see how the folks feel about such an idea.
So please take the time and comment on this post with any feedback that you may have. Also understand that Yowza Fitness will respect your privacy and never give out your contact information unless you have asked us to.
February 22nd, 2010 by Joe Alter | No Comments | Filed under Adidas Table Tennis
Adidas Table Tennis
For 25 years now, I have been looking for the perfect contra-seasonal product line to go along with fitness equipment. As you can imagine the fitness business is busiest in the cold weather months while folks are cooped up in their homes and looking to burn off those excess calories that came along with the holiday season.
Yowza Fitness has recently entered into an agreement with Adidas which gives Yowza Fitness and parent company Greenmaster Fitness of Taiwan the worldwide rights to design, manufacture and distribute Table Tennis tables, accessories and clothing. Yowza is currently building a new website for Adidas Table Tennis and we expect to go live sometime in the second quarter of this year.
As with our fitness equipment, we expect to deliver a real value proposition offering both indoor and outdoor table tennis tables that all feature our patented one-step folding mechanism. In addition, Yowza will manufacture all Table Tennis tables in Germany under the direction of Mr. Frank Koch who is the President of Yowza’s sister company Green Fitness.
Look for Yowza to offer promotional discounts on Adidas Table Tennis products to our existing customers this summer as we launch this new and exciting business.
February 12th, 2010 by dmartin | No Comments | Filed under Uncategorized
After the rush of activities associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and starting the New Year – STRONG – with our goals, work and school related activities, even weather challenges, well, it’s time to B R E A T H E. Right now, just breathe in, count to 4, hold, and exhale for a count of 6. Didn’t that feel good? Breathing exercises have been proven to help some individuals with High Blood pressure.
February’s challenge…it is time to de-stress!
The following article from the Dr. Oz website, is a reminder to us of some simple pleasures “…to refresh the body and mind: Taking baths, Reading, Doing breathing exercises, Receiving back rubs/massages, Listening to relaxation tapes, Writing in a journal, Meeting with a friend, Napping, Walking, Dancing, Engaging in spiritual reflection, Stretching, Listening to music.”
When was the last time you took a “mental getaway“? Or, during this season of “love”, how about a little pampering? Make some time for you this month. I know it’s not “Summertime“, but take some time to make “the livin’ easy.”
“Who will separate us from the love of Christ…” – Romans 8:31-39 (NASB)
February 12th, 2010 by jbrooks | No Comments | Filed under Running
Last time out we spoke of tips for the beginning runner. In the interest of time I kept that post to only nine but here are a few more that wanted to share. I have listed them below and also wanted to talk a little more about selecting the proper treadmill. As this is a big investment there are a few things to consider. First and foremost decide about the space you can alot. There are many great choices in folding and non-folding models. Get a longer running surface 20′ x 60″, so you will never outgrow your treadmill.. Be sure the unit you get has at least a 3.0 hp motor, multi ply belt, good sized hand rails, as well as a good heart rate training program and heart rate receiver. Choose one with nice user features such as water bottle holders (hydrate), a place to plug in your iPod and speakers if possible. Avoiding boredom is an important consideration if this is going to be a long term regimen. Beyond that, make sure it does not have hanger hooks, it is to run on and not to hang clothes on. Have fun:
1) Keep a protein bar near by for runs of 30 minutes or more. They provide good quick energy.
2) Set goals to motivate and a way to realize success. Start with time and eventually change those goals to distances in times. Next try a race, they will really increase your motivation.
3) Do not be afraid to amend goals if injury delays or time is yet unachievable. Better to change the goal date than to toss it aside altogether.
4) Build your runs with a solid base. Start with times, then add hills (incline) and speed (time to distance).
5) Be consistent. Run every day for 30 minutes rather than twice a week for 90 minutes.
6) Listen to your body. If the runs start to take there toll and become a chore, cut back the time a little or the days you are doing them. It should be fun and something you look forward to.
7) Focus on “quality runs”, good form and pace rather than always looking at your watch.
Before you know it you will be looking forward to the next run, your break from the hectic day, and the miles will pass as quickly as the stress of life falls away.
February 8th, 2010 by jbrooks | No Comments | Filed under Running, Uncategorized
For much of the country it is a funny time to talk about running. What with the biggest snow storm of the decade raging in the Virgina area, schools and business’s closed up and down the east coast and no break in sight. Running is not limited to an outside endeavor, for many with treadmills this is the way to avoid cabin fever, reduce the stress and anxiety of closed quarters and for many a way to stay in shape for when the weather does break. It is also a way to start your training, attend to a resolution and develop some good habits. Like with any new exercise program you definitely want to be careful not to over do it and to do some advance preparation. Some helpful hints to remember:
1) Use a quality treadmill. Nothing worse than using a treadmill with the wrong specs, have it breakdown and derail your regimen or out grow it.
2) Buy comfortable and well designed shoes. Heavy padding is not as important as making sure they are a little long and a little wide for your foot to avoid discomfort. Actually a minimalist approach to cushioning might be best in the long run.
3) Run for minutes and not for miles. Concentrate on good form and increasing your duration in minutes. It is an easier goal to hit and maintain and will keep you from getting discouraged.
4) Get plenty of nourishment. If you are hungry, eat, your body will tell you what you need as long as its not dipped in chocalate or fried you should be good.
5) Run relaxed, shake your hands every once in awhile and avoid bunching your shoulders up. The more relaxed the less chance for muscle tension and pulling.
6) Vary your workouts. If you only have time for a short run, 10 to 15 minutes, then do it. Something is always better than nothing.
7) Always stretch after running. Do some light warm ups to start and save the stretching for a warm and flexible state.
8) Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. This does not only mean while you are on the treadmill but all of the time.
9) Listen to your body and remember to run through annoyance, not through pain. Your body knows.
Take these suggestions to heart and enjoy yourself. Before you know it the snow will melt and you will be ready for that Summer 10k. Read Friday’s post for 10 more tips for the beginning runner!
After the rush of activities associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and starting the New Year – STRONG – with our goals, work and school related activities, even weather challenges, well, it’s time to B R E A T H E. Right now, just breathe in, count to 4, hold, and exhale for a count of 6. Didn’t that feel good? 
