PowerBlocks Classic 50 Review

Adjustable dumbbells are a must for any home gym. But with the plethora of available options out there it is difficult to figure out which option is your best bet. I took a chance on the PowerBlocks Classic 50 adjustable dumbbells. How did they stack up?

I have to admit, I have lusted after the PowerBlocks ever since I first laid eyes on them on the PowerBlocks website nearly 10 years ago. However, they were not sold in any stores in my area and shipping was cost prohibitive to say the least. So I gave up on the idea until about 2 years ago. I was perusing through the strength training section of our local MC Sports. Low and behold, they had the PowerBlocks in stock! $299 later I was testing out my new dumbbells. So what was the result? First things first, I want to get the features of the PowerBlocks Classic 50 out of the way.
FEATURES:

• Replaces 18 pairs of dumbbells (up to 900 lbs of free weights)
• Choose from a weight range of 5 - 50 lbs per hand
• Quick change weight selector w/magnetic safety feature
• Sold as a pair
• Powder-coated steel plates
• Manufacturer's warranty: 5 years

I have been using my PowerBlocks for nearly 2 years now.  They are far from perfect, but they are my favorite adjustable dumbbell to date.  I have used everything from PowerBlocks , to Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells and the traditional plate style adjustable dumbbells. One thing that I want to point out is that there is no special base that is required.  They do sell a stand, but that is strictly for storage and is not needed for usage.  Other adjustable dumbbells are round and have to be placed in a special base else they roll off or cannot be adjusted.  Also, the weight selector seems flimsy due to being made of polymer.  However, in 2 years of use I have never had one break or fall out.  As an added safety, there is a magnet in the weight selector to help hold it in place.

If you have not tried the PowerBlocks I highly recommend them.  They are available in multiple configurations and weights.  Take a look at the best price on PowerBlocksadjustable dumbbells here!

PROS:

• Replaces 18 pairs of dumbbells
• Takes up the same space as a single pair of dumbbells
• Durable - After two years of usage, my set looks like new
• Easy to use
• No special base required - Change weight settings without having to return to a special proprietary base.

CONS:

• Hard to use with straps
• Depending on the amount of weight selected, can be a bit bulky for some exercises (but so can traditional dumbbells)

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Live Life Agressively!

No, I don't mean get in a bar fight because some smooth talker moved in on your date. I recently read a new book by strength and fitness coach Mike Mahler.

Have you read a self-help book where the author tells you that it's not your fault and that everything will be okay if you just believe? Well that is not what you are going to read in this book.

"Life Life Agressively: What Self-help Gurus Should Be Telling You" is a realistic look at life. It is not a self-help book. If you are looking for someone to hold your hand along the way, Mike Mahler is not the right person. However, if you want to grab life by the horns and make your own success "Life Life Agressively: What Self-help Gurus Should Be Telling You" is a must read.

But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself at http://www.mikemahler.com/ Read more!

Lift Big Or Go Home

Are you using heavy enough weights when you lift? If you are anything like me you are going to say "Of course!"

That's what I thought too until I decided to get a new pair of kettlebells. I've been using the 16kg kettlebells long enough I decided to go up a size. But in an effort to save money I went a few sizes heavier. I figured that since my 50lb dumbbells were too light for many of my lifts that 60lb kettlebells should do fine.

What I forgot was that the offset weight of a kettlebell makes it feel heavier than its balanced dumbbell counterpart of the same mass. Needless to say when I tried to double clean and press the 60s I was in for a big surprise. The bells were way heavier than I was expecting (they are nearly 2x heavier than my old pair). Yet I was able to do at least 5 reps on nearly all of my standard KB exercises.

So what is the moral of the story? Lift big or go home. Most likely you really can lift heavier than you are currently. Don't think about the difficulty. Just cowboy up and do work! Read more!

Home Gym

"What kind of equipment do I need for a home gym?"

"I don't have a lot of money for fitness equipment. What can I get for cheap?"

These are all good questions. Over the years I have spent a small fortune on various exercise equipment. Everything from weight machines to kettlebells to free weights to a Bowflex. You name it I have at least tried it.

But does one really need to get into shape? To be honest a challenging body weight routine is enough to stay health. But I prefer weight training. More specifically free weights using dumbbells and kettlebells. Why free weights?

Free weights give your body more of a challenge as they activate more muscle for stabilization. Using compound lifts such as deadlifts, squats, cleans and overhead presses give your body a good foundation without the need for fancy machines. I like dumbbells and kettlebells because they take up very little room. I have 3 pair of kettlebells, one pair of PowerBlocks and an adjustable flat bench. Of course one needs a decent chin-up bar as well.

So is that it? Do I claim the holy grail of fitness in my equipment? Not hardly. While good equipment is a great tool, the fruit comes from the labor. Progressive resistance and a sound diet is what is really needed to be fit and healthy. An entire gym is not necessary. But if you want and have the room/money for the machines then go for it. The key is to keep moving!




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Fake It Till You Make It?

Not really into your new workout plan?  Is this your first attempt at losing weight? Just fake it till you make it! Right?  I mean isn't that what all of the fitness gurus are telling us these days?  That if we just pretend like we are making progress, that if we pretend we are giving it our best effort that it will just flip a switch one day and we will start seeing results?

While that all sounds good and well, does it really work?  Will faking it till we make it help us transition from a sedentary lifestyle to a new active one?  No.  Not it does not.  Don't get me wrong, if it works for you then kudos.  Keep it up.  But let's be honest here.  Being healthy is one of the hardest easy things to do today.  I mean we all know that we just need to workout more and eat less food.  But it can be very hard to put that into practice.

I have had plenty of workouts where I really wish I was somewhere else.  I have eaten plenty of plates of broccoli wishing I had pizza instead.  And trust me, I have tried faking it until making it.  But it really didn't help me do anything than ignore the fact that I really was not trying hard enough.

Rather than putting on rose coloured glasses and pretending that I was enjoying what I was doing, I found that using my displeasure as a motivating force was much more effective.  Angry that you are not making any progress with your fitness goals?  Bring that anger to the gym.  No I am not advocating bludgeoning that jerk that always leaves the equipment sweaty and doesn't clean it up.  I mean take that anger and point it at the weights.  Curse at yourself (be courteous to your surroundings of course) during that bench press when you just feel like quitting even though you have another 2 or 3 reps in you.  Use that anger to push yourself a couple of extra miles during your next run/bike/whatever you do for cardio.

So next time you feel like faking it till you make it, just remember that Gandhi didn't wish for Indian independence.  Dr. King Jr. didn't pretend social equality already existed.  They took their displeasure and used it to their own benefit to make these lasting changes.  Do you like what you see when you look in the mirror?  No?  Then use that displeasure to make lasting changes to your health, fitness and life! Read more!

Star Trac Spinner Pro Review

Spinning is all the rage now in the realm of soccer mom cardio classes. Being a guy I never really bought into going to class for riding an exercise bike.

Of course after seeing how much my wife seemed to enjoy her spin class I decided to purchase her a spin bike for home.

I ended up buying her the same machine she uses in her class. Star Trac Spinner Pro. The Spinner Pro is a commercial grade spin bike. Retailing at $1195, I was able to find a company that drop ships straight from Star Trac sells it for $899.

But how well does it work? The Star Trac Spinner Pro is heavy duty and can handle some punishment. Of course with a 43 lb flywheel and dial adjustable resistance, the Star Trac Spinner Pro is usually the one handing out the punishment.

The pedals are SPD clip or flip them over for the traditional toe cage. The seat is adjustable for height and can also be adjusted forward or back. The handlebar is adjustable for height as well. While Star Trac offers an optional computer for calorie and distance tracking I opted not to get it.

Normally I'm not much of a cardio enthusiast, I enjoy using the Star Trac Spinner Pro . Built well and easy to use, it has become a part of my fitness routine. 30 minutes on the spin bike and my legs are blasted. Not to mention the heart workout you get.

You can check out the Star Trac Spinner Pro for yourself at www.startracusa.com

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12 Reasons You’re Not Losing Fat

Are you busting your ass in the gym and still not seeing any fat loss?  You are not alone.  Even I fall into slumps like that.  It can definitely be frustrating.  Luckily I ran across this article by legendary strength & conditioning coach Jason Ferruggia that explains why you are still fat and what you can do to break the cycle.  Check it out:

http://jasonferruggia.com/ Read more!