Amazon currently have a huge discount sale on their Fitness equipemnt.

Discounts can be found on all brands, for all fitness equipment, from books and dvds to running machines and weight training equipment.

What to look for in a treadmill

A good treadmill has a built in calorie counter, body fat analysis, heart rate monitor and speeds up to 8mph (12kph). An incline option is also excellent for walkers, as walking up hill provide a much better workout. Cheap treadmills are often Manual Magnetic operated. These provide an excellent workout still, but lack the features of Motorised Treadmills. When buying motorised running machines, it is often wise to look for a model with safety cut off switches. These help prevent injury if you tire and fall or trip while running.

If you are looking for a high-end treadmill, then the Nautilus range of treadmills is one of the best choices on the market today. These are for the serious runner who needs the best in indoor training facilities.

Selected Treadmills and Running Machines:

	Carl Lewis Motorised Treadmill - MOTC99 Buy new: £219.01 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	York T101 Treadmill Buy new: £269.99 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	Carl Lewis Fitness MTM25 Manual Magnetic Treadmill Buy new: £90.01 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	York T501 Treadmill Buy new: £233.80 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	Body Sculpture Treadmill BT3150 Buy new: £280.14 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	Medicarn Motorised Treadmill Running Machine Buy new: £229.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	HORIZON FITNESS T207 MOTORISED TREADMILL WITH 2-YEAR ON SITE WARRANTY Buy new: £279.00 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

(all prices are correct at date of print)

The Gilbert Rugby boot range offers lightweight, durable performance boots that provide stability, support and have been designed for rugby players of all levels.

The ADIDAS Predator boots claim give more power, swerve and ball contact, and comes with K-leather uppers for durability, lightness and a better fit.

Mitre rugby boots provide a good selection of cheaper boots, made from sybthetic materials rather than leather.

	ADIDAS Regulate III Low Men’s Rugby Boots (010789), UK12, BLACK/METAL SILVER Buy new: £39.99 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	PUMA v-Konstrukt H8 Men’s Rugby Boots (10130203), UK10 Buy new: £50.00 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Mitre Mens Italia II Hard Toe Rugby Boots SZ 11 Buy new: £19.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	ADIDAS Predator PS XTRXSG Men’s Rugby Boots (358863), UK11 Buy new: £129.99 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	Mitre Mens Italia II Hard Toe Rugby Boots SZ 12 Buy new: £19.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Mitre Mens Italia II Hard Toe Rugby Boots SZ 10 Buy new: £19.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Gilbert Sidestep Rugby Boots Low Cut Soft Toe 8 Stud Size 7 Buy new: £34.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

Simply use these codes when checking out, before their expiry date, at the stores listed, and receive discounts of up to 25% off.

Expired Coupons

Nike Team Large Duffle Bag (Black)
Buy new: £18.99

A good gym bag can make a trip to the gym or sports club a much more pleasant affair. Buy a bag that is large enough to fill all your gym clothes, towels, ideally with a separete section for shoes. A gym bag needs to be well ventilated. There are many on the market now, with just about every sports manufacturer making represted. Nike and Adidas dominate the UK market, however there are many smaller labels available, such as Freshwater bags and Roxy bags

Types of Gym Bag:

Holdalls, such as the Adidas - Core Holdall are great for most sports such as football, rugby and martial arts.

Backpacks are smaller, but obviously much easier to carry. Larger ones contain separate compartments for clean and dirty clothes, and some have shoe/trainer compartments.

Drawstring sacks are the smallest gym bags. Some are really only suitable for a few items for a quick change, but some are now made larger and are closer to a rucksack. But if you need more space, you really should buy a rucksack instead of a drawstring gym bag.

Selected Gym Bags from the store:

	Adidas - Elite Gym Bag / Drawstring Bag (Colour: Black / Red ) Buy new: £4.49 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Adidas - +F50 Gym Bag / Drawstring Bag (Colour: silver ) Buy new: £3.89 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Official England Rugby Gym Bag Buy new: £5.99 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	Adidas +F50 Drawstring Sports Gym Bag Buy new: £7.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Adidas Football Team Bag Base Compartment Buy new: £19.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

Antler Organza Gym Bag (Raspberry)
Buy new: £30.00
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

	Columbia Sportswear Clatsop 33 Litre Daypack / Backpack Buy new: £18.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Ripcurl Bubble Satchel Buy new: £15.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Adidas BP Alpha backpack in blue Buy new: £14.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days

Browse our full selection of gym bags

LifeFitness X9i Elliptical Crosstrainer - Buy new: £3,150.00

Elliptical trainers offer a non-impact cardiovascular workout that can vary from light to high intensity based on the resistance preference set by the user. Most elliptical trainers work the user’s upper and lower body (although some models do not have moving upper body components). Using an elliptical trainer is designed to provide a cardiovascular workout rather than building muscles. Popular brands available in the UK include Infiniti, Body Sculpture, Horizon Elite, Lifefitness, NordicTrack, Reebok and Bremshey.

They can be self-powered by user generated motion or need to be plugged in for adjustment of motion and/or for supplying their electronic consoles and resistance systems. Current models incorporate adjustable resistance via friction belt (although this is becoming obsolete), magnetic or electromagnetic devices.

There are two major types of elliptical trainers, “front-drive” and “rear-drive” with the former having the elliptical drive mechanism at the front of the machine and the latter having the elliptical drive mechanism at the rear of the machine.

On some models, the incline of sloping roller ramps beneath the pedal-links can be adjusted to produce varying pedal motion paths. The result of such adjustment changes the burdens on various muscle groups in the legs. Some models can vary both the incline, resistance and stride length over the course of a workout according to a preset program. Some trainers can be driven in a reverse as well as in a forward direction.

Elliptical trainers are primarily driven via the legs, and most are combination designs having handle-levers attached to each pedal-link for the purpose of enabling a burden on the arms to provide a secondary source of driving power. The user grips the handles below shoulder height and pushes/pulls them while shuffling the feet back and forth within their elliptically shaped paths. Thus the oscillating handle motions are dependently coordinated with the constrained pedal motions.

Poorly designed machines are too dependent on the user’s leg power, producing excessive handle speeds as a result of mechanical ratios that do not provide enough advantage to the handle-levers. Consequently such machines feel to the user like their arms are simply going along for the ride, rather than sharing in the work. The better models offer a harmonious combination of arm and leg exercise in the correct ratios.

Some manufacturers produce commercial models which focus on durability and are made to withstand the more frequent use of the fitness club environment. These units typically sell for well over £2000, offering greater durability and programming than the typical home user would ever need.

An elliptical cross trainer is comparable to a treadmill in its exertion of leg muscles and the heart. Ellipticals produce an intermediate range of leg motion between that of stationary bikes and treadmills.

There are claims that the dual action exercise of an elliptical trainers can actually be more efficient in burning calories. The logic is that by exercising more muscle groups simultaneously, a more intense workout can be achieved in less time. It is also suggested that the perceived rate of exertion is lower. However, other studies have shown that the rate in which calories are burned on an elliptical trainer is similar to that on a treadmill. Regardless, elliptical trainers are growing in popularity. One reason may be that because the person who is exercising is not taking his or her feet off of the pedals, an exercise can be done at a gentler rate, still getting the same amount of results as a treadmill.

Varying the stride length on the elliptical trainer can recruit a larger variety of muscle groups. As the stride is lengthened, more calories are burned without any higher rate of perceived exertion by the user. Adjustable stride length feature on some newer ellipticals.

Selection of Cross Trainers from the store:

	Bremshey Orbit Trail-C Cross Trainer Buy new: £269.80 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	NordicTrack CX650 Folding Elliptical Cross Trainer + Free High Impact Mat Buy new: £449.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	REEBOK 5.1e Cross Trainer (RE-13103) Buy new: £419.99 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days

LifeFitness X7 Advanced Elliptical Cross Trainer
Buy new: £2,995.00

Horizon Elite 408i Cross Trainer - 2008 Model
Buy new: £999.99

Body Sculpture BE6115 2 in 1 Ellptical
Buy new: £179.99

INFINITI X985 CROSS TRAINER
Buy new: £315.00

Polar Heart Rate Monitor - RS200 Red

Buy new: £99.00

A heart rate monitor is a device that allows users to check their heart rate whilst training. It usually consists of two elements, a wrist receiver and a chest strap. The chest strap uses electrodes to monitor your heart rate, and if the device is connected to your exercise machine, its console will show your heart rate to you. Wrist receivers usually come in the forms of watches that measure your pulse by calculating the time before blood pumps through your wrist veins.

Heart rate monitors are becoming more and more popular and most high-quality exercise machines come with a heart rate monitor of their own. If you are suffering from heart or blood pressure problems, having a heart rate monitor while training is a must. Not only will you be able to see how your heart handles physical effort, but you will also be able to control your heart rate by adjusting speed settings on the exercise machines.

Some treadmills and elliptical trainers come with a built-in heart-rate management system, which automatically slows down the machine if your heart rate is too high. This is useful, as it helps avoid many heart-related problems that used to occur in the past with people training harder than their heart could handle. Even if you do not have heart-related problems, it is still a good idea to use a heart rate monitor from time to time. This way, you will be able to track how your body handles intense effort. To make sure you are healthy and there will be no problems in the future, you should make a daily pulse-rate table for one or two weeks, while training at the same intensity.

You will notice if there are extreme pitfalls or ascendings in your pulse, but the best thing to do would be to show this report to your doctor, who will immediately notice any forthcoming troubles. If you are planning to buy a quality heart rate monitor, one of the more popular manufacturers around is Polar. Polar technology has been around for two decades now and the company has achieved the status of being the industry leader in the heart rate monitors field. They have different series for heart rate monitors, ranging from beginners and intermediates to professional athletes.

You can also choose your heart rate monitor from different categories, depending on what your needs are: Cardiac Rehab, Jogging, Cycling, Swimming (this includes a waterproof monitor-watch), Fitness, Weight Management and so forth. Heart rate monitors mean a big step forward in home exercising, as they may help to prevent and avoid many cardiac problems.

Always pay attention to your heart rate monitor and try not to push your heart over the limits. Consult a doctor about what the normal pulse rate should be for your body type, in an effort regime. Combine this data with an exercise machine that supports heart rate measuring systems and displays them on their console, or even better, one that adjusts its speed to your pulse rate.

The Author, Sophie Goldman, is a writer for The Exercise Equipment Blog at http://www.exercise-equipment-today.com

Oregon Scientific HR102 Heart Rate Monitor Buy new: £24.99

Fitness-Mad Heart Rate Monitor Pedometer & FM Radio Set Buy new: £34.99

Polar F6 Red Fire Heart Rate Monitor (F6M RED N) Buy new: £55.70

Browse our full range of heart rate monitors

All rowing machines essentially do the same thing, however, there are several technologies to choose from. Rowing machines create resistance in one of four different ways - Hydraulic; Air / Flywheel; Water and Magnetic Resistance.

Hydraulic Resistance Rowers

Machines in the economy end of the scale will use this type of resistance. Compressed air or fluid within a cylinder or piston creates the resistance, which is usually adjustable. They are often fold-away types, ideal for small spaces. Make sure, however, that they offer enough leg room for you to enjoy a full range of motion as they can sometimes be a little restrictive and may not allow for a natural, flowing action.

V-Fit HR2-D Hermes Hydraulic Rowing Machine
Buy new: £39.99

Air (Or Flywheel) Resistance Rowers

This can be a similar feel to that of rowing outdoors. The resistance is created by the pulling action, which in turn spins a flywheel attached to a fan that generates the resistance so the harder you pull, the greater the resistance as the fan speed increases.

Motivefitness RTX8 Air Rowing Machine (Red / Grey)
Buy new: £699.00

Magnetic Resistance

These use magnetic braking with a flywheel construction to create a very smooth, and virtually silent, rowing action. This type of resistance will be found on models in the mid to higher range and offer a very comfortable work-out.

ROMF51 Carl Lewis Fitness Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine
Buy new: £131.40

Water Resistance

A relative newcomer and particularly useful in recreating the sensation of rowing outdoors. This is because its special water flywheel has been designed to exactly match the actions of a boat moving through water. It is almost silent in operation and is usually built within a wooden frame. They are available in a range of different frames, making them more attractive to look at and very much more expensive to buy.

Walnut WaterRower with Monitor
Buy new: £1,099.00

As with any sports equipment it is vital to choose a machine that is comfortable. If you cut corners on comfort, you’re not very likely to get good value from your purchase and could cause yourself unnecessary injuries. Make sure that the seat is comfortable and that it glides smoothly along its rails. Better quality machines will use bearing to ensure that this action is as friction- free as possible. Try out the foot stops to make sure that they fit properly. Check that the rower is suitable for your body weight; most will quote a safe maximum. Ensure that you can perform a full range of natural rowing motions and that the machine is not too small for your height.

Control Panel

Most rowing machines will have some sort on on-board consol. These can vary depending on the model; on cheaper ones the information will be basic; speed, distance travelled etc. The more expensive ones will also give information such as calories burned, heart rate readings (by way of sensor pads on the grips) and many will be pre-programmed with a range of work-outs to keep you motivated and challenged.

Selection of magnetic, hydraulic, air and water rowing machines

	ROMF51 Carl Lewis Fitness Magnetic Foldable Rowing Machine Buy new: £131.40 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	V-Fit AR2 Super Air Rower Buy new: £139.01 Usually dispatched within 24 hours

Walnut WaterRower with Monitor
Buy new: £1,099.00

Ashwood WaterRower with Monitor
Buy new: £899.00

	Tunturi R60 Programmable Folding Rower with T-Pulse Buy new: £729.99 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	Tunturi R30 Indoor Rower Buy new: £649.99 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	Carl Lewis Programmable Magnetic Rower - ROW777 Buy new: £249.02 Usually dispatched within 24 hours
	Kettler Coach LS Rower Buy new: £499.00 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	Kettler Isis Rower Buy new: £299.00 Usually dispatched within 4-5 business days
	Rowing Machine Mat 80cm x 2.50m Blue Buy new: £37.74 Usually dispatched within 3-4 business days
	M1 Hi Rise WaterRower Buy new: £1,300.00 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	Confidence Easy Abs (Lounge) Machine Trainer Buy new: £29.99 Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
	Tunturi R25 Indoor Folding Rower Buy new: £449.99 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	V-Fit HR2-D Hermes Hydraulic Rowing Machine Buy new: £39.99

	Body Sculpture BR2700 Air Rowing Machine Buy new: £149.00 Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days
	Motivefitness RTX8 Air Rowing Machine (Red / Grey) Buy new: £699.00

All prices are subject to change. Browse the full selection of rowing machines.