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The Fitness and Health Report
Information for a Healthy Life
May 10, 2001
Issue 21
In This Issue:
- Cyber Shopping for a Treadmill
- 12 Mentally Motivating Reasons to Begin a Workout Program
Cyber Shopping for a Treadmill
By Fred Waters
The Internet has dramatically changed peoples shopping
habits. From CDs to Lear Jets, buyers are taking advantage of the convenience
of making their purchases at home or in the office.
Purchasing fitness equipment online has grown substantially
over the last several years. From numerous infomercial products to high-end
home exercise equipment, the Internet provides the medium for detailed
information on the benefits and features of each product. As people
overcome their fear of cyber shopping, they are learning that the Internet
offers both convenience and savings.
Convenience comes from comparative shopping without
having to travel to numerous fitness equipment stores, where you often
deal with unknowledgeable sales reps. The Internet has empowered the
consumer with detailed product information, allowing them to make intelligent
purchasing decisions. In addition, the Internet provides an opportunity
to avoid the added costs incurred through purchases at retail stores.
A percentage of any price tag at a store includes overhead costs like
leasing prime space, employee wages and inventory. The Internet is changing
the rules, and online purchases can result in significant savings on
items like fitness equipment.
Not all treadmill e-retailers are alike. When making
the investment in quality fitness equipment you will want to make certain
you are buying from a reliable and trustworthy source. Below are several
considerations when selecting an online treadmill dealer:
Legitimacy & Credibility
Let's face it, there are numerous questionable online
businesses. All a person needs to start a cyber fitness stores is an
inexpensive Web site and a company willing to drop ship treadmills.
This can be done out of a person's basement. When selecting a treadmill,
look for a company that has a track record and sells in volume. Beware
of fly-by-night operations.
You'll want to ask questions like, how long have they
been in business? Do they have their own warehouses? Who are their suppliers?
What kind of quantities do they sell? What is the average number of
returns? What do customers have to say (testimonials)? What kind of
third party endorsements have they received?
It is important to purchase a treadmill from a company
that will back up their claims and be around for the long term if you
ever need service or advice.
Service and Satisfaction
Any online purchase of treadmill should be backed with
a "no questions asked" return policy. If for whatever reason you decide
that the treadmill is not right for your needs, you should have at least
a 30-day option to return the equipment. This places the risk of the
purchase on the vendor.
Service guarantees are equally important. When you purchase
a treadmill they can weigh up to several hundred pounds. You'll want
to make sure that you purchase the equipment from a company that provides
in-home repairs.
Repairs should only be done by certified technician,
not someone who also repairs lawnmowers on the side. Although most contemporary
models are built with modular design, some repairs require skilled labor.
The majority of repairs can be fixed without a technician.
Most repairs are minor and can be handled by the treadmill owner. By
describing the problem over the phone, a service representative can
pinpoint the problem and either instruct you on the immediate repair,
or ship you a part that can be easily installed. Purchase your treadmill
from an e-business that has phone service representatives with regular
hours.
Warranty
The warranty is extremely important when purchasing
a treadmill through the Internet. Depending on the amount of usage,
over time parts may wear out on your treadmill.
The extent of the warranty is a reflection on the quality
of the equipment and the commitment of the seller/manufacturer to stand
behind their treadmills. Manufacturers often limit dealers to sales
in restricted territories. If there is any concern about the warranty
you may want to contact the manufacturer directly to verify warranty
coverage. Warranties can differ from months to years, and usually vary
for different components. For example, you could have an initial one-year
warranty on all parts and in-home service. Beyond the first year, parts
like motors, belts, frames and electronics may have additional extending
warranties. For example, some companies are offering lifetime warranties
on frames and 10-year warranties on motors.
Often electronics can be self-serviced. Motors and belts
may require a technician. Make sure you purchase from a company that
provides accessibility to a technician. If you get a one-year labor
warranty, after the first year you will need to pay for any physical
repairs. The company should assist you in locating a repairman.
Fitness Consultants
Hello, is anybody there? The Internet can be an incredible
resource for information, but some times you need a live human being
to discuss specifics. Treadmills vary from the dirt cheap, "Blue Light
Specials" to industrial strength commercial models. They can be used
for casual walking or marathon training. They have various features
like heart rate control, electronic interfaces and aeropedic belts.
In addition, there are folding and stationary models.
You may know specifically what you are looking for in
a treadmill, but if in doubt, you'll want to discuss your needs with
a person that really understands which machine is perfect for you. A
pure e-commerce Web site may work for selling CDs or books, but when
it comes to purchasing a quality treadmill, you'll want to deal with
a company that offers expert advice.
Shipping
Delivering a heavy treadmill, with delicate electronics
and highly tuned mechanics, requires a certain level of expertise. In
fact, most returns are a result of poorly package and shipped machines.
Select a company that has had years of experience shipping freight.
They will understand the most secure packing methods and will be working
with a proven freight company. This will avoid the hassles and time
spent returning damaged equipment.
There is a reason why a treadmill is the most popular
fitness equipment. It provides an unsurpassed cardiovascular workout,
and accommodates all levels of exercise intensity.
Buying a treadmill online will save time and money,
but it is important to purchase from a credible company with knowledgeable
individuals. Follow the suggestions listed above to guarantee you buy
a machine designed for your needs and back by a reliable dealer. The
benefits will be a healthier lifestyle.
Fred Waters is Director of Marketing for InternetFitness.com. http://www.internetfitness.com
12 MENTALLY MOTIVATING REASONS TO
BEGIN A WORKOUT PROGRAM
By Garrett J. Braunreiter, CSCS, The Energy Coach
It goes without saying that exercise is good for your
body, but what many don't realize is that it's also good for your mind.
No, you're not going to turn into an Einstein - but studies continually
show that regular exercise improves your mood, boosts self-esteem, and
enhances the unctioning of your brain.
1. Working out can give you a sense of exhilaration
and accomplishment. This is the boost in self-esteem that results from
doing something you know is good for you.
2. Exercise produces endorphins. These "feel good" chemicals
dull pain and help produce what's known as the exercise "high."
3. Weight-bearing exercise in particular raises your
testosterone levels. Now, now, now, ladies. Don't worry about becoming
a female Arnold Schwarzenegger and avoid lifting weights like the plague.
The purpose of the rise in testosterone is that it helps to improve
your mood.
4. A single workout can raise your brain's levels of
antidepressant chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
5. If you're feeling down, exercise may help pick you
up. A review of past studies found that long-term exercise, especially
when it includes long-lasting, strenuous training sessions, has about
as much of an effect on depression as psychotherapy. (HOWEVER, the FIRST
thing you should do if you think you're suffering from depression is
to seek a mental health professional.)
6. Bouts of intense exercise are very effective in reducing
feelings of depression, tension, anger, and confusion.I can't tell you
how many people tell me how working out "clears my mind and helps me
focus better." Try it for yourself the next time you're ticked off.
7. Working out helps you deal with stress. In your job,
relationships, or any area of your life. Exercise is a form of stress
itself and conditions your body to deal with it.
8. Even a LITTLE exercise can make you less anxious.
ANY amount of exercise, from a brisk, 10-minute walk, to an intense,
1-hour weight/aerobic session seems to decrease anxiety.
9. Aerobic exercise can help you think better. Over
time, aerobic exercise (along with a healthy diet, of course) improves
blood flow that carries oxygen and nutrients to your brain.
10. Working out regularly may make you smarter. You'll
also decrease the possibility that you'll lose brain function as you
age. Exercise can actually help you develop new brain cells. How about
that?
11. Regular weight training or aerobic exercise was
shown to improve the quality of sleep. Better sleep means less fatigue
and better performance all day.
12. Exercise gives your mind a much needed break. Just
like meditation, hobbies or any other leisure activity, exercise gives
you a break from everyday thoughts, responsibilities, and commitments.
Get tips like these and over 1,000 more by downloading
your copy of "Secrets To Peak Performance Fitness" now - And Get Energized
and Motivated to Take Control of Your Body and Your Health - and Still
Have a Life. Click here: http://www.worldpeakperformance.com
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Copyright 2001, InternetFitness.com. All rights reserved.
