The Benefits of an EPE Foam Roller

If you feel that those regular weekly massages you’ve been getting are a huge strain on your wallet, a foam roller may just be what the doctor ordered.

Just what exactly is a foam roller? This is a long cylinder which is typically made of  EPE foam. They were traditionally used for physical therapy purposes but their roles have expanded greatly in today’s fitness industry.

Using one gives you many advantages. For one, it helps alleviate poor blood circulation, which can really hinder your muscle-building efforts (as your muscles are not getting sufficient nutrients from your bloodstream). Not only that, poor blood circulation also makes you feel lethargic! A foam roller ensures your blood circulates throughout your skin, fascia (the soft connective tissue just below the skin), muscles, tendons and ligaments.

In other words, using this product to complement your eating, exercise, nutrition and supplementation habits will go a long way in achieving your fitness goals.

A traditional massage also fails to lengthen your muscles, tendons and ligaments as much as a foam roller can. Lengthening these body parts is extremely crucial in order to prevent physical imbalances and in more extreme cases, injuries.

Optimal spinal range of motion is another great benefit of a foam roller. Roll your spine against the roller and stop for a moment whenever you feel uneasy. Doing this will allow the surrounding muscles and tissues to stretch.

Your core muscles are also on the receiving end in terms of its advantages. These would include your abdominal muscles, obliques and lower back. By achieving good core stability using a foam roller, you also improve your posture. This makes everyday tasks, which may have been previously burdensome, a breeze! As if these weren’t enough, foam rollers are also commonly used in Pilates classes.

To use an EPE foam roller, lie on your side with your body perpendicular to the roller whilst supporting yourself on your elbow. Roll from the top of your hip down the lateral side of your thigh toward your knee. Make sure to emphasise areas of tension as you do this. When you find one, pause for a while to help release some of the tension. Alternatively, you can also apply long strokes to the affected area.

As a word of precaution, never apply extra pressure using this product on your bones.

If you want to experience all of these great benefits, the EPE foam roller is an excellent way to start. It’s a great value for your money which you can only find on Australia’s number one fitness company, Amino Z.

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The Benefits of a Medicine Ball

Many fitness-conscious people are using medicine balls to give their training an added kick. Just what is a medicine ball and what can it do to shore up your fitness levels?

A medicine ball has actually been around for thousands of years. Persian wrestlers and even the Greek physician Hippocrates used versions meant for training and rehabilitation, respectively. By definition, it is a weighted ball which is used for the aforementioned purposes. Its weight usually ranges from 1 to 11 kilograms and used in plyometric weight training to increase explosive power in all sports.

In terms of material, medicine balls are normally made of a leather or vinyl-covered nylon cloth. Those which are covered with vinyl are typically filled with sand. Some versions even have a rope or handles for easier handling.

Using a medicine ball gives you many attractive fitness benefits. One of these is variation. If you resort to the same type of training week in and week out, your results will suffer. You need to shock your body by incorporating variation because your muscles are more receptive to adaptation, as attested to by many fitness experts. Using a medicine ball will provide an added dimension to make you one step ahead of any fitness plateaus.

In this light, you will also prevent any boredom from setting in. Boredom is a psychological impediment to any fitness programme. If left unchecked, the desire to meet your fitness goals will slowly dissipate.

Secondly, expect your sports performance to soar by using a medicine ball. Doing this stimulates real sports situations and develops power for sports-specific situations like golf swings, tennis serves and swimming strokes.

Another well-known benefit is core training. A medicine ball improves core strength and stabilisation which reduces the risk of injury. In addition, medicine ball training also facilitates functional movement to make everyday chores and activities easier. Another advantage is a medicine ball’s low injury risk when being used for core training as opposed to heavier weight plates or disks.

Yet another great benefit of a medicine ball is in regards to pricing as it is relatively inexpensive. This product’s price normally falls within the $20-$30 range. By purchasing one, you stand to get the fastest returns on your small investment.

One medicine ball which stands out is the PT Pro 5kg medicine ball. It is durable and in sleek black colour for only $31. Make sure to buy one to enjoy these benefits at the soonest possible time!

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The Fitness Benefits of a Small Foam Roller

Why would a fitness enthusiast such as yourself ever need a foam roller?

The answer may surprise you.

To begin with, a foam roller is simply a long cylinder which was mainly used for physical rehabilitation purposes. Nowadays, its role has expanded in terms of the fitness industry. It is mainly known as a self-massage tool, but its versatility goes beyond this tag.

Poor blood circulation is one of the harsh realities many active individuals face. You may feel up and about after getting eight hours of sleep only for your alertness levels to wane as the day goes by. Inadequate blood circulation may be behind all of this.

To remedy the situation, your foam roller can make sure your blood circulate better throughout your skin, fascia (the soft connective tissue just below the skin), muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Once this is accomplished, expect to feel more revitalised, ready to pump some iron even after a busy day at work. Essentially, your foam roller can also act as some sort of pre-workout fix that ought to perk you up.

Better blood circulation also benefits your muscles because they are being fed better. Why is this the case?  The nutrients they need are being distributed more evenly throughout your system. What this does is really increase and firm up your muscles, giving you the results you have long been yearning for.

Without a doubt, a  regular massage is soothing. However, a self-massage from a foam roller gets the nod in several ways.

First, a foam roller has the ability to lengthen your muscles, tendons and ligaments. A regular sports massage cannot. If these body parts are left shortened, physical imbalances may result. If left unchecked, injuries may also occur. Because of this, regular use of a foam roller makes you one step ahead of any potential fitness-related injury.

The second advantage of this product over a regular massage is optimal spinal range of motion. You can achieve this by slowly rolling your spine against the roller. Any uneasiness felt should compel you to pause for a minute or two. Doing this will stretch out and hopefully soothe your surrounding tissues and joints.

A lesser-known benefit of a foam roller is its ability to firm up your core muscles. Among the exercises which you can perform include star-side planks and kneeling roll-ins. Tap the services of a certified personal trainer if you are not familiar with any of these exercises.

As a simple precautionary measure, do not apply any pressure on your bones when you use a foam roller. Any muscle on your body can reap its full benefits, however.

If you have been hesitant to get a foam roller, now is the best time to put all of your doubts to rest with all of its benefits and advantages. It’s also a self-massage that you can do anytime and anywhere without straining your wallet.

To get you started on the right track, check out the small  foam roller. This is a great value product from your favourite fitness company, Amino Z.

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The Benefits of a BOSU (Half Balance Ball with Resistance Bands)

If you want an inexpensive and versatile exercise equipment that gives you great results, a half balance ball with resistance bands should be right up your alley.

As the name suggests, a half balance ball is a hybrid of the BOSU (which means “Both Sides Up”) and elastic exercise bands. The BOSU is an inflated rubber hemisphere which is attached to a rigid platform and is similar in appearance to a stability ball cut in half. It can also be inverted for the user to be able to maximise the opposing flat surface for stability-related exercises like body weight lunges.

Here are some great BOSU benefits:

• Mind and body connection—using the BOSU makes the user aware of his or her body’s postural adjustments and reflexive reactions to imbalance. The mind and body connection is therefore enhances the mind and body connection.
• Better confidence—conquering exercises on a BOSU or rubber inflated hemisphere gives you better balance, body control, awareness and reaction time. These traits carry over into your other life aspects for improved confidence.
• Improved core strength—this product helps develop smart, integrated strength that is not stiff, rigid or uncoordinated. You can do a of core exercises, such as crunches and planks, which you can moderate and control according to the demands of a given stimulus.

Elastic exercise bands (also known as resistance bands), on the other hand, is a generic term for rubber tubing equipped with hand grips. It is mainly used for strength training, particularly for individuals who prefer light resistance or those who travel frequently because of its lightweight features.

Here are some of their time-tested benefits:

• Provides progressive resistance
• Allows free movement
• Allows variable speed of movement
• Increases muscle strength
• Increases muscle size
• Decreases body fat
• Provides resistance in multiple directions
• Provides constant tension
• Prevents cheating

To get an even better picture of the overall advantage of having a half balance ball with resistance bands, you simply combine this assortment of benefits. To sum everything up, you get the perks of doing consistent free weight-strength training plus improved core strength.

As if these were not enough, this product is also relatively inexpensive, easy to store and easy to transport. You’ll never have to miss another workout again!

To experience all of the advantages first hand, try your hand at the PT Pro BOSU. This comes in a very sleek, simple and stylish grey colour and sells for a great-value price.

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The Benefits of an EVA Foam Roller

A massage may be the only missing link in your aspirations for a healthier body. Exercise, good nutrition, sound supplementation and enough sleep are all crucial.  A foam roller is the ultimate self-massage tool that can help your body in more ways than one.

An EVA foam roller is simply a long cylinder that was traditionally used by individuals undergoing physical therapy, using a very high quality EVA material. Nowadays, more and more fit individuals are recognising its immense fitness benefits.

For starters, it is immensely helpful even if you feel groggy even if you’ve been getting adequate shut-eye. Poor blood circulation may be one of the root causes. Using a foam roller will make sure your blood circulates better throughout your skin, fascia (the soft connective tissue just below the skin), muscles, tendons and ligaments.

More importantly, the better your blood circulates, the more your vitality is restored. After all, who would want to work out at the gym feeling tired and cranky?  The more energy you have, the more pumped up you’ll feel for your exercise sessions which paves the way for better results.

That is not the end of it. Once you experience better blood circulation, your muscles are being fed better because the nutrients they need are being distributed more evenly throughout your system. As a direct consequence, you’ll enjoy bigger and firmer muscles down the track.

A foam roller is more advantageous than a regular massage in several ways. For one, it lengthens your muscles, tendons and ligaments. If these are left shortened, physical imbalances may result. A more serious consequence may be injuries. Securing a foam roller as your preventive measure is definitely key.

Using this product also helps you achieve optimal spinal range of motion. This is done by slowly rolling your spine against the roller. If you feel uneasy, stop for a while. Your surrounding joints and tissues will be stretched out as a result of this pause.

Do you also want to tone up your core muscles? If you are sick and tired of the excess flab jutting out from your waist, then a foam roller is the way to go. Several exercises which you can perform include star-side planks and kneeling roll-ins. If you are not accustomed to either of these, it would be best to consult your certified personal trainer.

It’s important to note that a foam roller can be used on any muscle. Just make sure not to apply any pressure on your bones when you use one.

As you can see for yourself, a foam roller can be deceiving in terms of appearance. It may be simple on the outside, but it really is a virtuoso which can really help take your fitness to a different level.

Check out the PT Pro EVA foam roller that we have available. It is a very durable version and is studded for greater massage benefits. Get one for a fitter and healthier body today.

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The Benefits of an Aerobic Step (Commercial Grade)

If you have ever wanted to give elevated platform exercises a try, an aerobic step is something you should consider.

An aerobic step is a device which allows the user to do aerobic exercises for the purpose of getting a cardio-respiratory reaction from the concept of lifting your body weight. Using an aerobic step is highly popular in gyms, especially in fitness classes.

One of the important benefits of an aerobic step is the increased intensity of your cardiovascular workouts.  If you are exercising without the elevated platforms, then you are getting in a good workout for your heart. However, when the platforms are added, your heart is forced to work harder. This increases your aerobic capacity which will benefit you in the long run.

You can also use an aerobic step with some light weights for an even more comprehensive workout. Light dumbbells, for instance, help in regards to the strength training aspect. On the other hand, performing aerobic step exercises whilst you do this will help you achieve maximum fat burning. This will boost your body sculpting aspirations to no end.

Another advantage of an aerobic step is it can also be used for rehabilitation purposes. Rehabbing hamstring, gluteal and hip muscles are engaged with the up and down movements. Performing side steps engages additional muscles, particularly those of the inner and outer thigh.

Fitness experts also say the use of this equipment for exercise helps control cholesterol levels. This is done by increasing the HDL or good cholesterol in whilst decreasing the overall cholesterol in your body.

Additionally, it also lowers blood pressure and improves the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes. It is also effective in reducing the occurrence of some cancers, anxiety and depression.

On the practical side of things, an aerobic step is easy to maintain and clean. It is relatively inexpensive, durable and lightweight.

One such aerobic step which has all of these traits and more is the PT Pro Aerobic Step. It has a three-level commercial stack design which allows you to exercise according to your fitness level. It also has a wide stepping platform for better manoeuvrability and increased safety.

It sells for only $62 and comes in a stylish colour combination of black and grey. Make sure to get one today for a healthy and fit body for years to come!

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The Benefits of Rotating Push-Up Bars

If you really want to bring your push-up abilities to the next level, rotating push-up bars are exercise accessories which you should consider.

To begin with, rotating push-up bars were manufactured for the simple purpose of enhancing and adding variety to the regular push-up routine. The bars have a circular base with handles that can be moved to various widths. An example of this is a wider-than-shoulder width or closer-than-shoulder width to attune the workout to the preferences of the individual.

The bases normally have rubber bottoms which grip well on carpets and hard-floor surfaces. The bars are made of sturdy material which range from hard plastic to steel, depending on the manufacturer.

When exercising, the individual holds on to the bars whilst executing the push-ups. The bars then rotate in half-circles which are meant for a better workout.  This allows the user to perform push-ups using a more natural arm motion.

One main benefit of this motion is the decreased amount of stress on a person’s joints. The fact that your arms are free to move naturally means unnecessary pressure on your wrists and your other joints are effectively reduced.  Needless to say, when the exercise is executed to perfection, the risk of injuries is lowered considerably.

Another benefit of using a rotational push-up bar is the inclusion of other muscle groups for a more comprehensive workout. This bodes well for busy individuals because short-duration compound exercises (multi-joint movements that work several muscles simultaneously) are seen by fitness experts to deliver optimal results.

The rotating bases of the bars are the ones that allow your muscles to rotate to their natural arc which ensures your rotator cuff, scapular muscles, triceps, deltoids, pectorals and latissimus are fully engaged during exercise.

This feature is mainly attributed to the additional height achieved from the bars. This also increases the overall range of motion for each push-up you do.

Finally, they are also a great addition to your exercise equipment at home or on business trips. If you need a practical and daunting physical challenge that is also sure to stimulate your mental prowess, these products are the way to go.

To fully reap the benefits of this great exercise product, try the PT Pro Rotating Push-up Bars for a great deal on Amino Z!

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The Benefits of a Foam Roller

Individuals who are regularly into fitness may want to explore purchasing a foam roller. If you’ve never heard of this product, now is the time to soak in some important information about it.

A foam roller is a long cylinder which is seen as an inexpensive alternative to a traditional sports massage. Your body weight is used to provide pressure when lying or sitting on it. It is normally used in physical therapy sessions but is also used nowadays by casual fitness enthusiasts.

An attractive benefit of using a foam roller is improved blood circulation throughout your skin, fascia (the soft connective tissue just below the skin), muscles, tendons and ligaments. This improved blood circulation will result in a more efficient exchange of nutrients and waste products at a cellular level which leads to better overall cellular function.

Another advantage of using this product is its ability to lengthen short tendons, muscles and ligaments. Even standard massage and trigger points therapy techniques fall short in this area.  By lengthening these shortened areas, the possibility of injuries as a result of physical imbalances is drastically reduced.

Health experts also praise foam rollers because they promote optimal spinal range of motion. This is done by slowly rolling your spine against the roller and pausing whenever restrictions are felt to allow surrounding joints and tissues to stretch.

In addition, it is not just a therapeutic tool. Some trainers even advocate its use as an instrument to aid their clients whenever they perform core stabilisation exercises. It really is a versatile product to have around.

To use this accessory, you lie on your side with your body perpendicular to the roller whilst supporting yourself on your elbow. Roll from the top of your hip down the lateral side of your thigh toward your knee. Make sure to emphasise areas of tension as you do this. When you find one, pause for a while to help release some of the tension. Alternatively, you can also apply long strokes to the affected area.

This product can be used on any muscle. However, as a precautionary measure, never use the roller to put pressure on bones.

As a parting shot, a foam roller is a great aid in helping you achieve your fitness goals. It effectively complements your exercise programme by being one step ahead of any potential issue pertaining to muscle tension, muscle spasms, reduced blood flow and shortened tendons and ligaments. It is also of great help in boosting your core stability for your regular fitness regimen.

A great foam roller to have is the foam roller. Make sure to get one today to experience these great benefits sooner than later.

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The Benefits of a Balance Board

You may have seen a balance board in your fitness centre, but have you ever thought about using one? If you have been longing for better fitness benefits in terms of core training, reaction time and injury prevention, now may be a better time than ever to put it to good use.

A balance board or wobble board is a flat surface that is atop a roller or a ball. It can either be round or rectangular in shape. The flat surface is the foot platform. The challenge is to keep your balance without falling off and to make sure the board’s edges do not touch the ground.

Core training efficiency is seen to skyrocket with the use of a balance board. These involve a series of muscles that help stabilise the trunk whenever a movement is initiated. To note, a person’s core is composed of the abdominals, the deep back muscles and the hip muscles.

A strengthened core gives way to certain benefits:

• Back pain prevention—a weak core can result in poor posture which puts more load on your lower vertebrae, resulting in back pain. A strengthened core will prevent this from happening.
• Improvement of functional posture—using a balance board helps people stand up taller due to a strong core. Some individuals do not have this privilege, as they have a slouched posture without them even realising it.
• Toned abdominal area—chiropractors and trainers alike agree that abdominal exercises are not enough to whittle the excess fat in the midsection. Core training using a balance board helps train the entire circumference of one’s waist. Reduced belly fat, especially among men, is also a great way to prevent any cardiovascular disease in old age.

Another benefit is the prevention of ankle injuries. Fitness experts say regular use can help prevent ankle twists and sprains by strengthening muscles, tendons and ligaments of the lower leg.

A balance board also adds another challenging dimension to your exercises or training. For instance, you can also catch balls whilst using one. This will help your anticipation, reaction time and coordination. Some people even choose to do dumbbell strength training whilst using a balance board to improve both strength and balance.

With this, any new challenge can help prevent boredom and fitness plateaus which hinder you from getting the results you want. Time and again, fitness experts say resorting to the same routine without making some tweaks every six to eight weeks will render any routine useless. It’s always about shocking your body, making it guess at opportune moments to pave the way for better results. Using a balance board is one way of doing this.

Proper use is a must in order to prevent unnecessary injuries. Make sure you are not prone to dizziness and are not fatigued before using one. Simply stand on the board and rock your body in any of three different directions:

• Side to side
• Front to back
• Circular rotation

Strive to maintain your balance as long as you can or as prescribed by your certified personal trainer.  Make it your goal to progressively increase the time you spend on the board with each attempt.

To summarise, a balance board is the perfect fitness investment if you want improved reaction time, better coordination, a stronger core and a bigger challenge. One such product worth noting is the PT Pro Balance Board. Order yours now and feel the difference yourself.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Late Night Workouts

If you are a night owl who prefers to get his or her workout in late at night, you are not alone.

Many individuals who are into pumping some iron just before bed consider this to be very therapeutic. You may also be surprised that there are others who exercise at the stroke of midnight or just a few hours before dawn.

Here are the advantages:

• If you work out at a 24-hour gym, there will be fewer people, so the tendency to be distracted is lessened considerably.
• Late night workouts are a great outlet for people who suffer from insomnia. Rather than lie in bed fretting and fuming, pumping iron will help relieve stress and anxiety levels.
• Endorphins that are released during and after late night exercise will help clear one’s mind—a great way to finish off a stressful day.
• Late night workouts are also highly beneficial for individuals who are on late work shifts, as this may be the only time they have for exercising.
• Exercising outside, such as late night jogging, will allow a person to avoid extreme temperatures during the day. The possibility of dehydration which is made higher by the sun is also drastically lowered.

On the other hand, here are some disadvantages:

• If one of your ulterior motives in working out at the gym is also to socialise, you may find this to be a bit more difficult with the fewer number of people at such a late hour.
• On this note, it is also difficult to find a workout partner who can motivate or spot for you.
• Regardless whether you choose to work out at the gym or at home, exercising within a few hours of bedtime may disrupt sleep. This is due to the stimulating nature of exercise and its ability to raise body temperature.
• Taking a pre-workout supplement with caffeine is not advised as this may prevent a person from getting a good night’s sleep.
• Another downside is the possibility of having to eat a post-workout meal half an hour to an hour after working out. This may put off your sleeping time even more. However, a blended protein supplement with whey protein and casein protein for post-workout purposes may suffice.
• After a full day of school or work, some people may not have the energy to pull off a late night workout routine. Some still do, however, as this is clearly a case-to-case basis.

Late night workouts present some considerable advantages as well as disadvantages. That being said, it is not for everyone. As in any fitness routine, find the best time of day to execute your own based on your priorities. The most important thing is to make exercise and fitness one of your top life priorities no matter what time of day you prefer to get fit.

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