Have you been planning to buy home gym equipment?

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made it a better time than ever to build up your home gym. COVID-19 is known to spread easily in enclosed areas like shared gyms. Not only that, but gyms are either being shut down or are slowly opening up. With all of this going on, it’s hard to be consistent with your workouts right now.

Having fitness equipment at home is the best way to keep up with your personal health while staying safe from COVID-19. Outdoor workouts like running or biking still carry some risks, so why not invest in equipment that you can use at home?

Here are 6 of the best machines and equipment to keep in your home for a well-rounded exercise routine.

Treadmill Machine

When you’re buying equipment for your home gym, it’s important to choose the best machines for your fitness goals, not to mention the space you have available. Running or walking is a popular cardio activity that has plenty of health benefits.

A treadmill machine lets you get your miles in without having to go outside. During a pandemic, it’s even more useful to be able to run miles while staying inside.  These machines are designed with a padded, soft surface that minimizes impact on your joints. By using this piece of gym equipment, you can avoid the cumulative effects of running on concrete or asphalt. 

A good treadmill lets you adjust the speed and incline of your path. You can set resistance higher to get a more rigorous workout. You can even alternate speed and intensity for an effective circuit workout.

Elliptical Cross-trainer Machine

Elliptical machines are designed for low-impact cardio training.

The elliptical range of motion puts less strain on your joints than running or walking, because your feet stay in one spot. That means you’re not constantly putting your full weight on your knees and hips as you pound the pavement. Runners sometimes use these to work out their muscles without the joint pain.

Ellipticals also let you burn a lot of calories since your entire body is involved in the movement. Using the handles lets you work your arms while strengthening your glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps below. 

On the other hand, you can improve your balance and work your core by letting go of those handles during your workout session. This is one product that can help you achieve plenty of fitness goals.

Indoor Cycle

An indoor cycle is a handy piece of gym equipment to have at home. Biking is a great way to  get cardio exercise and work out your lower body, including your legs and glutes.

For many people, lower body workouts are harder to do at home without the help of a machine. 

An indoor cycle gives you the tools to strengthen your legs and lower body while toning your core.

Since your indoor bike gives a pretty thorough lower body workout, it’s a useful piece of equipment to keep at home. When you have one at your house, you can decide to use it whenever the mood strikes. You won’t have to wait for equipment to be free like you would at the gym.

When you’re biking indoors, you don’t need to worry about wearing a mask to stay safe from COVID-19. You can also avoid the various inconveniences of the outdoors, including things like wet roads, extreme weather, and car traffic. Instead, you have total control over your environment, and you can even put on entertainment, like music or a movie.

Barbell Racks

If you’ve made lots of progress lifting heavy barbells, the idea of having to put your training on pause due to gyms opening and closing is probably frustrating. Why not invest in a set of barbell racks so you can keep up your progress at home?  This is the perfect addition to your home gym if you’re looking to build and maintain muscle.

The great thing about buying your own weight racks is that you can choose the products that fit your own needs. There are options like stand squat racks, racks that include pull up bars, single racks, and double racks that allow multiple people to train at once.

Once you have your barbell rack and bench setup, you can choose your weights according to your skill level and fitness plan. A sturdy, reliable barbell rack at your home means you have control over the way you work out, and you won’t ever have to deal with people waiting in line as you get your workout in.

Weight Benches

While not quite a machine, benches are indispensable in any gym, and they make it possible for you to try new  exercises with your weights.

There’s a huge variety of weight benches out there, but they’re all designed to help you make the most of your barbells and dumbbells. A sturdy, padded weight bench is the kind of gym equipment that gives you plenty more options, but doesn’t take up too much space in your home.

With your designated weight bench, you can comfortably pull off exercises like dumbbell rows, shoulder presses, and more.

A bench opens up new possibilities for you and works as a reliable anchor for your home gym.

Multi-Gym System

If you’re short on space but still need ways to do a full-body workout, you could instead opt for a multi-gym system.

A great system is designed for strength training, and it includes targeted workouts for all major muscle groups. Some even boast a total of 25 possible exercises, for your chest, obliques, lower body, arms, shoulders, and back.

All of this equipment fits into a small space, making it easy for your home. Rather than being a jumbled pile of free weights and other fitness equipment, a multi-gym system is up and ready to go whenever you want to use it.

Most machines also have an adjustable back, so you can get into the correct position for this range of exercises and stay comfortable throughout your workout.

Which gym machines do you plan to add to your home collection?

The post 6 Machines to Have in Your Home During Quarantine appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Everyone has a butt, but what most people don’t realize is there are actually three muscles that comprise our backsides: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Most people affectionately call this group their glutes. And for those who want a good workout, there are plenty of dedicated glute exercise machine options to get these muscles toned.

While some people want to focus on their behind to help improve their confidence, others understand that this area plays a large role regarding your entire body. The best machine for glutes will help you both strengthen and tone the area, so you can reap the aesthetic and athletic benefits.

Regardless of your motivation, here are eight things you can do to help max out your glute area.

1. Get To Know Your Glutes

These muscles perform an important role in keeping you upright. They let you extend your leg forward, turn your leg outward, and even step to the side in a movement called abduction.

Indeed, these three movements are key when it comes to working out your glutes. 

You’ll want to find exercises that include each of those motions, as they target the three individual components as follows:

• The gluteus minimus helps turn your leg inward or extend it to the side
• The gluteus medius attaches to the hip joint, and controls thigh rotation and abduction
• The gluteus maximus extends your thigh, like during squats, and is activated by most movements from your hips.

The minimus and medius come into play when you’re off balance. If you stand on just your left leg, for example, they’ll keep you from falling over.

2. Have Reasonable Expectations

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to target their glute area.

Remember that working out this group of muscles won’t do anything to shrink your butt, and that building strength can actually make your lower body larger. You can definitely tone and shape your butt, and that’s what you can expect from regimented exercises. 

Your hips, legs, and so on will also show the effects of your efforts.  

3. Work Out Related Muscle Groups

As you work out your glutes, you’ll end up working out certain related groups. For example, your hips are closely connected to your butt, and hip exercises will probably involve at least one of the three gluteal muscles.

Your leg, hip, and knee are all important parts of working out your glutes. An abductor machine will work out your entire lower body, not just your butt, but it will build important strength in all of the muscle groups involved.

Plenty of glute exercises also include your hips, thigh, and quad area to a certain extent. These exercises will also strengthen your knee area, which is important for any active person.

4. Stretch Before You Begin

It’s important to stretch before any physical activity, and exercises centered on your butt are no different.

You’ll want to do an all-over stretch, but you should especially focus on your glutes, hip area, thighs, and legs. Downward facing dog and pigeon pose are two common yoga poses that double as stretches for your glute area and legs.

In pigeon pose, you’ll start out on all fours. Next, you move your left knee up to where your left wrist is, and then move your left ankle toward your right wrist, so that your leg is in a diagonal position.  At this point, you can slide your right leg back so it’s extended behind you. To finish the stretch, switch sides and repeat the pose.

5. Get the Best Results from Exercise Machines

What’s the best machine for glutes? It all depends on your personal preference. However, there are ways to get the most out of whatever machine you end up using.

Plenty of machines are marketed as the path to a toned butt. Those are a good starting place, but they should also have a few other features. The best machines will have an adjustable range of movement. That’s an important part of adjusting how intense your workout will be and how it will take to recover from it.

You should also make sure you find an option that will strengthen your glutes without putting stress on your knee joints. Knees can take a beating during certain kinds of exercise, so avoid overworking them. When your hip and thigh area gets stronger, they’ll support the knee area.

6. Find the Right Timing for Your Workout

If you’re trying to build noticeable muscle, the timing and frequency of your workout is just as important as the kind of exercise you do. To get the best development in your glute area, you should pay careful attention to the time between your workouts.

Research suggests that the longest possible recovery time after exercise is 3 or 4 days. The best time to train is right after recovery, so you can get started building the area up again. From there, how can you decide how long to go between training sessions? 

The answer always depends on the intensity of the workout, type of movement, and range of motion involved.

7. Vary Your Workout Intensity

Conventional wisdom has it that a more intense workout will yield better results. That’s true to a certain extent, but your workout plan should include some planning, too.  If you’re working with a machine, chances are it has adjustable features. That may include the incline or angle of your workout. Adjustments like that can help you focus on specific areas.

It might also include an adjustable range of motion. A wider range of motion means a more intense workout, and a longer recovery time as a result. If you’re doing intense workouts with a large range of movement, take more time between workouts to ensure you can recover first. A lower range of movement requires less time.

Keep the number of reps in your routine consistent, so you can build strength in these areas. Your hips and knees will thank you.

8. Develop a Routine and Keep It Up!

Once you have an idea of how long it takes for you to recover from a given exercise, you can develop a consistent routine, with a set number of reps and a schedule.

In addition to using your glute machine, you might want to use body weight exercises, like squats. 

Keep your hips and your leg muscles in shape, because they’re foundational for a strong butt.

It can take between 6 and 8 weeks to see results, so make sure to stay consistent with your routine. After weeks of sticking to the same schedule, you’ll start to form a habit, and it should be easier to stay on track the longer you continue. 

Get Started Right Now

How will you update your exercise routine to max out your glutes? What exercises give you the best results? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 8 Ways to Max Out Your Glute Area appeared first on Primo Fitness.

The Cybex Arc Trainer is a stationary glute machine that works out your lower body. When using it, you stand upright on its footplates and balance yourself with the moving arm bars. This is a dynamic exercise machine with plenty of adjustable options, so read on to learn about how you can use it to get the best results.

Building Glute Muscles

One of the great things about the Arc Trainer is its versatility. This cross training machine has tons of adjustable features and power levels. Because it focuses on your lower body, it’s a worthy investment for those looking to train their glutes specifically.

According to research done by Cybex, your Arc Trainer can be adjusted to target different muscle groups.

A low incline setting, between 0 and 10, will focus the burn on your glutes. Higher incline settings from 10 to 20 will shift your body and the result will be a workout that benefits your quadriceps.

For the most effective glute workout, it is recommended that you keep your Arc Trainer at a low incline and keep your rate of movement high.

Benefits of Cross Training

Cross training machines like the Arc Trainer let you work out your whole body at once. This kind of machine burns fat quickly and gives a good cardio workout, but it’s also useful for strength training.

By using the arm bars on the Arc Trainer, you can put weight on your arms and tone them while you move your legs in an arc movement below. If you keep up rigorous motion in both your arms and your legs, it’s easy to build muscle over time.

Depending on the angle, you can work out your glutes, hamstrings, or focus solely on your quadriceps. For best results, you can switch your routine to focus on different exercises (and thus target different muscle groups) per day.

Weight Loss with the Cybex Arc Trainer

One of the best things about the Arc Trainer is that you can burn a lot of calories in a single session, and the machine has programs to help you meet specific goals. Indeed, the Cybex Arc Trainer is one of the most effective pieces of fitness equipment for burning calories.

To really focus on burning fat, you’ll want to keep up the intensity of your exercise. Since the Arc Trainer comes with a screen that shows a detailed readout of your heart rate, strides per minute, and the overall time of your session. The resistance on the machine is load-dependent, meaning that it can automatically adjust to your weight.

Cybex suggests using interval training both as a general exercise and as a way to burn fat. During interval training, you’ll switch off between doing intense, fast movement and then rest with slow, low-resistance movement.

The machine lends itself to interval training, because you can adjust the settings easily. Try using the Adaptive Power setting, which increases resistance as you pick up speed, and lowers resistance as you slow down.

Arc-uate Path Exercise

The Arc Trainer has several advantages over an elliptical machine, and many of them have to do with the difference in body movement and how your weight is distributed on the machine.

The mechanics of the Trainer are like an elliptical machine, but the footplates have a different path of movement. Instead of moving in an elliptical, oval-shaped path, the footplates move in an arc pattern, guiding your body into an arc of movement. This movement path actually reduces stress on your knees and joints.

The machine only generates force when you’re in a load-bearing stance, which evenly distributes the pressure between your hips and knee joints. When the pressure is shared between those areas, your joints are under less stress.

There’s also the added bonus of a more rigorous session with more intense muscle training. The overall effect is better fitness with less stress on your body.

Adjustable Settings

To get the most out of your machine, learn about how the various settings can be a tool for having a better training session. When you adjust the incline, you can target different muscle groups in your lower body. That setting offers versatility, and it’s helpful when you want to do more specific kinds of training, like focusing on your glutes.

The power settings are also adjustable, and can impact how you use the machine. For example, the Constant Power settings keep up the same level of power, even if you slow down or speed up. The machine does this by adjusting its resistance in relation to your speed.

When you slow down, the machine automatically increases the resistance so you’re still getting a certain level of rigor. On the other end, it lowers the resistance level when you start to go faster.

You can take a look at the Arc Trainer manual and their website for more detailed training suggestions.

Cybex Arc Trainer Vs. Treadmill

The Arc Trainer and a treadmill are both useful exercise machines, but they serve very different purposes in terms of your workout.

Treadmills let you walk or run at your own pace, and you can adjust the incline for a more or less rigorous workout. Compared to the Arc Trainer, it’s a fairly simple design. It’s a cardio workout, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of strength training. The Trainer is designed to offer the kind of resistance that builds up muscle in your lower body, from your glutes to your quads.

Treadmills do let you customize your routine to a certain extent, with adjustable speed and adjustable incline. However, the Trainer will allow you to do strength training in addition to cardio.

Should You Get an Arc Trainer?

Is this machine right for you?

If you want to train your lower body thoroughly, this fitness equipment will deliver. It can help you get the glutes of your dreams, and build up powerful quadriceps. If you want to sculpt your arms at the same time, the arm bars can help you get full-body motion in, so you can tone your arms and core at the same time.

This machine also has plenty of personalization options, including preset programs that guide your calorie burning session or help you with interval training. There are a lot of ways to use your Trainer machine, including the tips in this article.

How will you make the most of your Arc Trainer? Let us know in the comments below!

The post What Muscles Does the Cybex Arc Trainer Work? appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Biking is a great way to stay fit, since you can build muscle and get cardio exercise in at the same time. When you think of bikes, you might first picture an outdoor bike. However, indoor spin bikes are having a moment, and they are an exciting new option for many people.

These bikes have an edge in terms of convenience, and many people are looking for indoor exercise options because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Is indoor cycling right for you? Read on to learn more about outdoor versus indoor bikes.

What Makes Cycling So Good for You?

Cycling is a form of exercise with plenty of health benefits. It can improve strength, get your heart pumping, and it’s even an enjoyable pastime. Let’s get into the details of how cycling can benefit your health.

Cardiovascular exercise is a vital part of any workout routine. It’s good for your heart, lowers blood pressure, helps with blood sugar levels, and can help you get to sleep more easily. As you pedal your feet and push yourself forward, you’re making your lungs and heart get stronger over time.

It’s also a low-impact form of exercise. It’s not hard on your knee and hip joints, because you’re not bringing weight down on your feet by jumping or stepping down. Instead, your feet stay planted on the pedals during your workouts. Despite this, you can still get an intense workout from cycling.

Cycling also helps you build up physical strength. Since you use your legs to power your bike, the effect is especially focused on your lower body. Your core and back will also get a good workout as a side effect because you’re maintaining balance and staying upright as you pedal.

All of these health benefits make cycling an excellent, low-impact way to strengthen muscles and stay healthy.

What’s the difference between cycling indoors and outdoors?

There are plenty of differences between indoor and outdoor cycling, both in terms of experience and in terms of training.

The flywheel on an indoor bike is one of the most important differences between the two. An indoor bike includes a weighted flywheel, which will determine how much pedaling you need to do as you get started.

A heavy flywheel requires lots of pedaling at the start to get you into the groove of things, just like outdoor cycling. Lighter flywheels take less time to get up to a high speed. You can get a great workout with either option, and it comes down to personal preference.

Riding a bike outdoors means you’ll have to deal with the great, unpredictable outdoors, which has its advantages but also its downsides. Outdoor bikes can go with you to a variety of places, including gorgeous, scenic destinations, and you can use them as a form of transportation.

However, there are also environmental obstacles to consider. If you choose to bike on a road, you’ll need to keep an eye out for cars. The weather can be inhospitable, with scorching hot days or cold, rainy ones. COVID-19 is still a major concern, and it spreads through the air.

On the other hand, indoor cycling gives you control of your environment. You can make yourself comfortable by adjusting the temperature, or even putting on a movie.

Indoor cycling isn’t necessarily less rigorous— you can still burn up to 600 calories an hour. That makes it a great tool for weight loss, just like outdoor cycling.

What Are the Benefits of Indoor Cycling?

Indoor cycling is done on mounted bikes that are kept indoors, and you stay inside with them. There are plenty of reasons you might want to stay inside as you bike.

Stationary bikes are sturdy. Many of them are specifically designed to add resistance, meaning you get a great workout from the comfort of your home.

Speaking of resistance, you can also adjust the resistance level of your stationary bike. During outdoor cycling, the difficulty of your route is mostly out of your control. If you’re far from any hills or mountains, you have to be content with a flat route.

Another advantage is that a stationary bike gives you more control over your workout. You can manage the temperature indoors, and that’s just not possible outside even with the best temperature-regulating workout outfit.

The road can be a dangerous place to be if you’re not in a car. Outdoor cycling can expose you to cars, slippery roads and other dangerous situations. If you choose an indoor setup, you can relax and focus on your workout.

Indoor cycling lets you work out at night without having to worry about your visibility. Outdoor biking requires safety equipment like reflective gear and a helmet.

Why Should You Get an Indoor Bike?

Getting an indoor bike of your own has plenty of advantages over using one in a gym. For one, you won’t have to make the trip to the gym every time you feel like cycling.

It becomes easy to exercise at home, and you can get on your bike whenever you’re motivated to work out. You can keep in shape and stay healthy, even when you don’t want to leave the house.

With the current coronavirus pandemic, owning your own gym equipment is a huge advantage. During this coronavirus pandemic, many gyms are on a cycle where they reopen, but have to shut down again soon after. As a result, it’s hard to get consistent access to gym equipment.

Even if your local gym is open to members, the required safety measures tend to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. When you ride your own indoor machine, you won’t have to wear an uncomfortable mask or remember to wipe down the bike before and after you use it.

You can also choose your own pace when you have a bike of your own and set the pace of your workout according to your needs and skill level. However, if you like the structure of spin classes, you can always join one of the Zoom spin classes that have popped up during the pandemic.

Will you include indoor bicycles in your future workouts? Are you already a huge fan of indoor cycling? Let us know in the comments section!

The post Outdoor vs. Indoor Bikes – Which is Right For You? appeared first on Primo Fitness.

If you weren’t already aware, the StairMaster Gauntlet has quickly become one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment. Not only does the StairMaster machine provide a great form of exercise, but it’s also incredibly easy to use regardless of skill level, and comes jam-packed with plenty of benefits for those suffering from aching knees.

Those with aching knees know that exercising can be a pain. In fact, only 13 percent of men and 8 percent of women with knee osteoarthritis get the minimum recommended amount of weekly exercise — this is an unfortunate statistic, as exercise is the best thing one can do for their knees. 

The key to exercise being good therapy for the knees is to ensure that it’s the right kind of exercise for you, and the StairMaster machine is perfect option. While it may not be completely ideal for those who are already experiencing serious knee pain such as arthritis, those who are not there yet can strengthen their muscles with the StairMaster. 

Although the StairMaster has been gracing gym floors all over the world for years, they have recently become one of the most frequently used pieces of gym equipment. Let’s take a look at some fantastic benefits a StairMaster has to offer.

Why is the StairMaster Gauntlet better for the knees?

Low-Impact Cardio 

A StairMaster machine provides you with an intense cardiovascular workout that helps strengthen the muscles surrounding your knee joints. In other words, the StairMaster Gauntlet can produce the same cardio and muscle advantages that come from simply climbing real stairs — and with less impact, which is crucial for those with aching knees.

Other activities such as running on a treadmill or outdoors can have a very significant effect on the joints in our body. Luckily, climbing the stairs is heavily regarded as a low impact exercise. 

After all, high-impact exercises can make knee pain worse, which is why working out on real stairs should be avoided. This is because once you reach the top of the staircase, you’ll have to come back down — and it’s the descent that puts a lot of impact on your knees, which can be bad when repeated over time.

Strengthen bones, muscles, and joints

With stair climbers like the StairMaster 8 Series Gauntlet, you’ll get to develop the bones that make up your knee joint, which include your thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella). Indeed, our body reacts to weight-bearing exercises by building stronger bones, which is critical as we grow older — and the StairMaster is an easy way to do just that.

Not only does the StairMaster help you build stronger bones, but it also lets you strengthen the muscles that support your fragile knee joint while reducing excess body weight. This includes your quadriceps, hamstrings, and the muscles of the calf. Together, these muscles work to flex, extend, and stabilize your knee joint.

When working with a stair climber like the StairMaster Gauntlet, you’re working against the pull of gravity and continually raise your body up. This action works the muscles that flex and extend your knee, ankle, and hip. By developing these muscles, you’ll get to protect your knee for future high-stress activities such as basketball or soccer.  

If you’re looking for a great exercise that is less taxing and stressful on your feet, shins, and bones, the StairMaster is the solution for you.

Using a StairMaster Gauntlet with Aching Knees

If you’re experiencing knee pain, it’s crucial to use the StairMaster Gauntlet properly. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t cause yourself further pain.

Ensure proper posture

While using a stair climber like the StairMaster, it’s important to check your posture throughout your workout. Stand straight and avoid leaning forward or back, as it can increase your risk of falling and stresses your back. While you can lean on the rails for balance, refrain from leaning on it completely, as it can strain your arms and wrists. This also takes the work away from your legs, reducing the benefit for your knees. 

Additionally, proper form requires ensuring that your entire foot is always on the pedals, pushing down with a focus on your heel. Using only the front of your foot on the StairMaster’s pedal can increase the pressure placed on your knees. 

Use the right footwear

Unbeknownst to many, the right footwear can make a world of a difference when using a StairMaster. This is because shoes that don’t provide the necessary support around the foot and ankle or are ill-fitting can cause injuries to your knee joints. 

That said, the right shoe for stair climbing exercise should provide adequate support for your foot and ankle, as well as ample cushioning. 

Put safety first

In order to remain safe while using a StairMaster, the proper posture we mentioned earlier is essential. Make sure that your back is straight, shoulders back, head up looking forward, and that your  hands lightly resting on the bars on either side. 

If you experience pain in your knees during the workout, stop using a machine. Should the pain persist or become worse after resting, make sure you get checked by a medical professional. 

Contact Primo Fitness and Purchase Your StairMaster Today

The StairMaster provides a great cardiovascular workout that’s available for all gym-goers, regardless of experience level. Because a StairMaster is a relatively straightforward piece of gym equipment to use, it eliminates the need for excessive training or supervision. All one needs to do is jump on and start climbing.

Are you looking to add a new StairMaster 8 Series Gauntlet to your workout facility? At Primo Fitness, we are a seasoned group of exercise equipment professionals who are eager to offer you support with everything from pricing to equipment recommendations to make your search for gym equipment as seamless as possible.

With our broad selection of new and used gym equipment, looking for a StairMaster Gauntlet for sale has never been easier. We can help you outfit your fitness center with the best equipment available at a reasonable price. 

To learn more about how we can help equip your workout facility with the best equipment your money can buy, contact Primo Fitness today!

The post  Save Your Aching Knees with a StairMaster Gauntlet appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t mean you need to have access to a state of the art gym or fitness trainer, but rather quality home gym equipment.

While it may seem like you can go down a fitness rabbit hole when searching for quality home gym packages, finding the best home gym equipment for your fitness goals and needs is much easier than you might think.

There have been many trends in the home gym and fitness world over the past six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and today we will take a look at some of the trends that have stood out the most to us.

Afterward, we will take a quick look at some must-have gym equipment you should have in your home gym!

How to Work Out at Home in 2020

Top Trends in the Fitness Industry Due to COVID-19

Community Fitness

As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many of us to stay home, many gym-goers have developed a community approach to working out. Not only does it enable one another to stay connected while practicing social distancing, but it’s also incredibly helpful to have a community of friends and family who will keep you active during troubling and anxious times.

Live Streaming

As many fitness centers have been forced to close around the country, many of them have turned to technology to allow them to stay in business and connect with their customers.

With live streaming, gym trainers are able to keep in touch with their clients, and membership holders are able to attend some of the same classes they previously attended before the pandemic started.

Increased Awareness of Fitness

As a pandemic can cause fear and anxiety about our health, many people have used this time as an opportunity to focus on their bodies.

Whether the past six months have caused them to reflect on their diet and make changes, or find creative ways to make working out fun and family-oriented, the coronavirus pandemic has had somewhat of a positive effect on many people within the fitness community.

Must-Have At-Home Workout Equipment

If you’ve caught the fitness bug too and are considering building a gym in your home, let’s take a look at some of the must-have home gym equipment you should purchase.

Treadmill

The treadmill is a staple in every home gym and certainly belongs in yours. While the treadmill tends to be one of the more expensive pieces of gym equipment, it is also one of the most reliable and efficient pieces of equipment money can buy.

With modern technology, most treadmills offer adjustable incline settings, as well as preset programs to give your workout slightly more variety. Additionally, some even fold up so that it does not take up too much space when it is not in use.

Though there is a wide array of treadmills available on the market, we recommend the Life Fitness Activate Series treadmill.

Exercise Bike

When it comes to purchasing home gym equipment, an exercise bike is most likely the first thing people buy. Not only are they relatively inexpensive and lightweight, but they also have a small footprint in your home, and many are foldable, making them extremely optimal for apartments.

Exercise bikes are a great way to get in your daily dose of cardio, and nowadays, they range anywhere from beginner exercise bikes to more intense (and expensive) machines such as the Peloton.

If you want a great exercise bike that feels like the real thing, we suggest going with the Life Fitness IC3 Indoor Cycle Bike with Console.

Rowing Machine

Rowing machines may not be the most attractive piece of gym equipment, nor are they the most exciting, but they are one of the best purchases you can make if you’re looking to build muscle, as well as your cardio.

Not only do rowing machines provide a tremendous full-body workout in your legs, arms, back, and heart, the rowing machine is also a low-impact piece of equipment, which means you will save your knees and ankles from feeling most of the soreness.

If you’re looking for a great entry rower, the Life Fitness CX Rower Water Rower is at the top of our list.

Elliptical Machine

Another common purchase people make when building a home gym is an elliptical machine, and it’s easy to understand why. Not only are they one of the most popular pieces of equipment in any gym, but they also offer an excellent cardio workout, in addition to high-intensity interval training at an affordable price.

One of the best things about elliptical machines, however, is that, much like the rowing machine, there is far less strain on your joints when comparing it to other machines.

Additionally, some elliptical machines also have handles that incorporate the upper body in the workout, as well as the lower body.

If you’re in the market for a highly effective elliptical machine, we suggest going with the Life Fitness 95X Achieve Elliptical Crosstrainer.

Dumbbells

Last, but certainly not least, no home gym would be complete without dumbbells. With a solid set of dumbbells, you can target nearly every major muscle group in your body.

From your legs to your arms, back, and torso, dumbbells are an extremely convenient and easy to use piece of equipment. Dumbbells can also be used in several different ways and add plenty of versatility and diversity in your workout routine.

Additionally, some dumbbell sets come with rubber, hex-shaped heads to prevent rolling and scratching the floors if they are dropped accidentally.

For some of the best dumbbells your money can buy, we recommend the Muscle D Hex Rubber Dumbbell Set.

Purchase Your Gym Equipment with Primo Fitness

At Primo Fitness, we provide our customers with a comprehensive choice of new and used home gym equipment for all of their fitness needs. Regardless of expertise or skill level, we have a piece of home gym equipment for everyone.

With more than 20 years of experience, we can help you to find the highest quality equipment at a price you can afford. We remain dedicated to providing all of our customers with the very best in fitness and exercise equipment.

Contact Primo Fitness today to find the best piece of home gym equipment for your fitness needs.

The post Home Gym Trends in 2020: Workout & Equipment appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Are you looking to implement glute machines into your workout, but aren’t sure where you should begin? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re working out to build a better-looking body all-around, your glutes are a critical component. Not only do they help with overall body definition, but stronger glutes also have plenty of real-life uses, as well, such as better mobility and a more stable hip and pelvis.

Overall, stronger glutes could help you avoid injury and soreness from daily activities.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best glute machines you can use to start working out your lower body harder and more efficiently. Continue below to learn more about which glute machines you should start using today!

Top Glute Machines for a Great Lower Body Workout 

StairMaster

Adding a StairMaster to your workout is a great way to engage your glutes, calves, quads, and hamstrings. It can also help with burning fat while also building lean muscle mass. The StairMaster is also a great low-impact workout where you are able to get creative with your workouts and include more of a challenge with each routine.

Another great thing about the StairMaster is you can turn it to a high-intensity workout, too.

When you add steady cardio such as long-distance running, you force your body to use muscle glycogen that can burn through muscle you have worked to develop.

However, when you are doing a workout like the StairMaster, adding in resistance and additional variations to your workouts can make a massive difference.

If you’re looking for an excellent StairMaster machine, we recommend the StairMaster Gauntlet Series 8 Stepmill.

Cycling

Cycling is another excellent form of glute workout, as well as a great form of cardio. With cycling, you are forcing your body to utilize your lower body muscles exclusively. Regardless of whether it is a stationary bike or an outdoor bike, the workout a bicycle provides effectively works your hips, glutes, and thighs with every motion.

If you are looking to incorporate your glutes a little more with your next cycling session, bring yourself slightly out of the seat of the bike, push your hips back, and lean forward on the bike. This is a sure way to not only activate your glutes a little more but work them out to the point of exhaustion during your ride.

Another great thing about cycling is that many of the machines available allow you to increase the level of resistance with the simple turn of a knob. The more you ride, the more you will be building muscle and burning fat in your glutes.

You might also want to consider sprinting, as well, as this is definitely one of the best methods to isolate your glutes and build their muscle mass.

For a great piece of cycling equipment and a fantastic glute workout, we recommend looking at the Technogym Group Indoor Cycle with Console.

Elliptical 

The elliptical is one of the most underrated pieces of gym equipment, but is another excellent low-impact cardio option for those looking to work out their glutes a little more than usual. When done effectively, the elliptical will tone and tighten your glutes.

Additionally, if you want to target your lower body while on the elliptical, that’s no problem either. All you need to do is increase the resistance, much like you would on the previously mentioned bicycle. The greater the resistance level, the more muscle you will build in your glutes.

When using the elliptical, be sure to keep your entire foot in contact with the footpad and press down through your heels during each step to activate your glutes to their maximum potential.

If you are looking for even more of a challenge, try reversing the direction in which you pedal and try pedaling backward every so often.

If you’re searching for a tremendous elliptical, we highly recommend going with the Life Fitness X3 Elliptical Crosstrainer with Go Console.

Treadmill

Certainly one of the most fundamental pieces of gym equipment, the treadmill is a staple in every gym or fitness facility. If you’re looking for a machine that will always activate your lower body and burn as many calories as possible, no matter how you use it, the treadmill is the way to go.

Using the treadmill is fantastic for glute muscles, and incorporating bursts of quick sprints and pauses into your treadmill workout is a great way to shock the body into burning more fat without breaking down too much of your existing muscle.

For a reliable treadmill that will always get the job done, we suggest the Life Fitness 95T Discover SE Treadmill.

Hip Abduction Machine

Finally, we have the hip abduction machine. The hip abduction machine is a great workout that involves pushing your legs out to the side, activating each glute muscle with every rep. While the hip abduction machine may seem like a simple workout routine, it is far from it.

If you’re looking for an excellent glute machine that will make you feel the burn each time you use it, we highly recommend the Panatta Fit Evo Standing Abductor Machine.

Contact Us for the Best Glute Machines Money Can Buy

When it comes to incorporating your glute muscles and lower body into your workout routine, the most crucial part is to make sure that it’s something you will enjoy doing.

While working out should be challenging at times, consistency is more important, which means it’s crucial to have gym equipment that you look forward to using every day.

At Primo Fitness, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best glute machines at affordable prices. Whether you’re building a home gym or are re-opening your gym due to COVID-19 and want to update your equipment, we can help.

We have more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, and we want to offer our knowledge to help you. We can’t wait to provide you with all the best tools to transform your gym and your body.

To learn more about how we can help you find the best glute machine for your gym, contact Primo Fitness today!

The post Best Glute Machines For Your Lower Body appeared first on Primo Fitness.

The Cybex Arc Trainer may look a lot like your ordinary elliptical, but that’s where the similarity pretty much ends. When it comes to its effectiveness as a cardio machine that gives the best workouts, the Arc Trainer is simply the better choice. It uses a different motion that makes it easier for the body to exercise but still gives a challenging workout for achieving your fitness goals.

In order to understand this better, it’s best to do a comparison of the Arc Trainer and the ordinary elliptical. Now there’s nothing wrong with using ellipticals – it’s a good cardio machine and has qualities that makes it better than other cardio equipment, like treadmills and stationary bikes. But the Arc Trainer may offer something more, which is why it’s worth getting to know this machine better.

What is an Arc Trainer?

Not everyone is familiar with the Arc Trainer. Compared to ellipticals, this machine is still relatively new. Its main difference from the elliptical is the motion it uses – its foot pedals travel along an arc. These machines from Cybex have been around since 2003, but it has not gotten much attention until years later.

The Arc Trainer comes in two styles – lower body and total body. 

The lower body machine is the original one, which works your legs while your hands are simply resting on the rails. Some find it more comfortable to swing their arms at their sides while their legs are working out. 

The total body machine, on the other hand, provides a full body workout.  

The machine gives a weight-bearing exercise that is non-impact at the same time. You can adjust the resistance, incline, and stride rate.

Why is it Better Than an Elliptical?

When you watch closely how the Arc Trainer works, you will notice that its footplate pushes down and back. It’s the same motion you make when you walk, hike, and pedal a bicycle.

The footplate on the opposite side subsequently travels in an arc, which prepares your other foot to put the power down in a movement that is more natural.

Now if you compare this to the motion of an elliptical, in which you have to contort your body into pedaling an ellipse. You may think that the difference is just slight, but when it comes to exercise, the slight difference can turn into bigger problems in the future, considering the number of rotations that your legs go through in just one 30-minute workout.

So the main point is this: the Arc Trainer reproduces your natural gait better than an elliptical. Nick Clayton, personal training program manager at the National Strength and Conditioning Association, likes the range of motion when using the Arc Trainer.

 “It’s like running uphill or marching through snow without the impact. I also like the fact that it emphasizes hip extension,” he says.

How About the Workout Plan?

The Arc Trainer has a wide variety of pre-programmed workouts or you can use the advanced interface to program your own routine. You can adjust the incline and resistance and come up with a stride rate that is comfortable for you and suits your fitness level.

4 Reasons to Use the Arc Trainer

Here’s a more detailed breakdown on why you should try the Arc Trainer.

1. It Gives a Better Overall Workout

The two machines similar to the Arc Trainer – treadmills and ellipticals – have their own set of drawbacks that you won’t find or experience with the Arc Trainer. A lot of people do not enjoy using treadmills because it’s not the same as running and it can be really hard on the joints.

As for the elliptical, athletes and other people who work on advanced levels gripe that the machine is not enough to get their heart rate up for a serious workout. Compare this to the Arc Trainer, which functions like a stair stepper. You can get serious work done on your hamstrings, quads, and glutes.

Nigel Anderson of Gym Source likes that it’s a full-body exercise. “The more muscles you’re working, the more fat you burn. That math will never change in a million years,” he says.

2. It’s More Functional

The motion of the Arc Trainer is similar to hiking when you drive your knee to the handlebar coming from the bottom of the pedal stroke.

3. It Burns More Calories

Using the same intensity and perceived exertion, those who use the Arc Trainer can burn 16% more calories compared to the elliptical. This is especially important if you’re working out during winter, when it’s harder to burn calories. 

Small differences matter. On average, a male who weighs 150 pounds doing a 30-minute workout can burn 300-475 calories. Of course, this will also depend on factors such as resistance, incline, and stride rate.

Dr. John Porcari, a professor in the department of exercise and sport science at University of Wisconsin La Crosse, is a co-author on a study showing the Arc Trainer does burn slightly more calories than an elliptical, “at the same amount of perceived exertion.”

Porcari recommends that people should continue using whatever machine feels best, which includes the Arc Trainer, because ultimately “the best machine is one you’re going to use.”

4. It’s Easier on the Joints

The Arc Trainer is designed to be easier on your knees and hips, thanks to its balanced loading design. Its body positioning makes working out better for your back as well. 

According to a study from the NCBI, “individuals with, or at risk for, lower-extremity joint pathology may benefit from exercise with modalities other than the elliptical trainer.”

Take the next step to a better physique!

The Arc Trainer can help you reach your fitness goals without putting unnecessary pressure on your body. Primo Fitness can help you find the machine that you need, brand-new or secondhand. We have more than 20 years of worldwide success for our new and used gym equipment for sale. 

To speak to our experienced technicians about our certified, pre-owned, and custom-built refurbished equipment, call Primo Fitness now or visit our store nearest you.

The post Why the Cybex Arc Trainer is a Better Choice Than Ordinary Ellipticals appeared first on Primo Fitness.

The Stairmaster Gauntlet has become one of the most popular machines for lower body exercise. It has proven very capable of providing very challenging workouts, thanks to its vast range of features. Aside from being a capable machine, it’s also fun to use.

Of course, there’s always the classic argument: why invest thousands of dollars on a machine such as the Stairmaster Gauntlet when one can just simply walk up a flight of stairs, repeatedly if needed, to achieve the effect it gives on the glutes and legs. 

This is why it’s important to understand what the Stairmaster Gauntlet can do in order to prove that it’s much better than going up and down the stairs!

Why is the Stairmaster Gauntlet an Excellent Workout Option?

The Stairmaster Gauntlet delivers the perfect combination of strength training, cardio, and calorie burning qualities in one seamless and efficient workout. It mimics the action of ascending the stairs without having to descend it. The machine can strengthen, sculpt, and tone your entire lower body by its movement, which is upward and backward direction.

Also, the Stairmaster has been proven to be able to work the core muscles, which is definitely a terrific bonus. It targets muscle groups that can be hard to sculpt, such as the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves.

Are there any downsides? Because it’s a machine of considerable size, it needs a fair amount of space in your home. The price can also become a downside, depending on who wants to buy it. 

But these supposed drawbacks are neutralized by its vast range of features, which makes it a machine designed to take care of all your fitness needs for quite a long time, given its make and quality.

Who Can Use the Stairmaster Gauntlet?

The beauty of the Stairmaster Gauntlet is that anyone can use it. It’s adjustable speed and resistance makes it fair game for both newbies and advanced levels, who can easily tweak it to suit their comfort and fitness level.

Even if you are not entirely a newbie to exercise but you haven’t worked out in a while, you can still easily use the Stairmaster Gauntlet. You only need to start at the right pace, say just 26 steps a minute, and then just increase the speed as your fitness level goes up.

But if you’re already hardcore, go ahead and set this to 162 steps a minute and get the total workout that you need!

How Does It Compare to Going to the Gym or Jogging?

Not all have the time and energy to go to the gym, especially if you have a demanding career and a growing family. Same goes with jogging – not everyone has the time and disposition to go out and run outdoors. 

In this situation, you may think of investing on equipment that you can use at home and work out during your free time. The Stairmaster Gauntlet is a machine that can give you maximum results in minimal time.

Why Can’t We Use the Stairs Instead?

There’s no argument against how good climbing up the stairs is as exercise. This involves lifting your entire body in order to get to the next step. Repeat this many times (depends on how many steps there are on the stairs and how many times you will go up and down it) and you will definitely burn intense calories. This is a great workout for your core, butt, thighs, and calf muscles.

But here’s the thing: when climbing a real set of stairs, of course you need to come back down in order to climb up again. Going down the stairs can be stressful on the knee joints because you are going against the force of gravity. 

This means you increase your risk for injury, especially if you plan to go up and down the stairs for twenty minutes or more.

Now with the Stairmaster Gauntlet, you don’t have to go down the stairs, so to speak, and just focus on climbing up on the duration of your workout. 

Best of all, it’s low-impact features ensure that your joints will be treated with care. At higher resistance levels, you will get the equivalent of running up the stairs, not just walking up, even though technically you’re not really running.

What Features Makes the Stairmaster Gauntlet a Hit Among Fitness Enthusiasts?

Here’s the nitty gritty on what makes the Stairmaster Gauntlet totally worth the price of your purchase.

• It’s user-friendly. The functions are very straightforward – just select your desired program, then choose the speed and intensity level, and you’re ready to roll. You only need to press some buttons or touch the screen in order to get going.
• Designed for performance. The machine is made of rust-free and highly durable polypropylene construction that gives it the clean and professional appearance of an industrial machine. The handrails are ergonomically designed and the monitor is optimally positioned, which allows you to maintain a good posture while checking out your stats.
• Comfortable step action. It has a revolving staircase function, with eight steps that are 8″ high, 9″ deep and 22″ wide. The dimensions are the same as a regular set of stairs, which makes stepping on it a comfortable and familiar experience.
•  Various step rate and resistance options. Rotation for the steps can be programmed between 26 and 162 times per minute, which allows the machine to cater to all fitness levels. Resistance has 9 levels, ranging from easy to intense. Do you want to increase the challenge of your workout? Just ascend two steps at a time.

These are only some of the reasons why the Stairmaster Gauntlet deserves a space in your home. if you’re already decided to get one or you need to know more about the machine before you buy, Primo Fitness can help you. 

We are the industry’s leading provider of new and used gym equipment for sale. Call Primo Fitness today to get the fitness equipment you need.

The post Why the StairMaster Gauntlet is Better Than Climbing Actual Stairs appeared first on Primo Fitness.

A lot of people consider the stationary bike as one of the most boring exercise machines around. Unless you’re in a group class surrounded with pounding music and an instructor to keep you pumped up, using an indoor bike is not exactly an exciting experience. But if you’re told that the lone bike that you naturally ignore at the gym can burn fat like crazy (provided you use it right), you may change your mind about it.

According to Jennifer Tallman, indoor cycling instructor at New York Sports Clubs, stationary bikes are great for everyone, regardless of fitness level. “Workouts on the bike build your cardiovascular endurance and strength in your legs, which translates to benefits off the bike, too.”

Another great thing about the indoor bike is that it’s considered a low-impact machine. This is good news for people who want to avoid too much stress on their knees. This also makes the stationary bike a good machine for beginners or just about anyone who wants to add a little diversity to their fitness routines.

Should You Join a Group Bike Class or Not?

There are people who perform better when working out with a group and if this is your case, then a group class may be the thing for you. Roxie Jones, a certified strength coach and instructor at SoulCycle in New York City, gives a great reason for joining spin workouts.

“Spin workouts are low-impact, making them accessible to people with any injuries that can’t handle the impact of another sport like running. You can also do them indoors during colder months, making it super convenient, and spinning requires a rider to engage their core when up and out of the saddle, while also improving endurance and cardio health overall.”

Now if you don’t find group workouts appealing and would rather bike in peace, you can just go at it solo. You can use any stationary bike at your local gym or invest in your own bike so you can cycle at home. Where you bike doesn’t really matter when it comes to your capacity to burn fat.

Indoor Cycling Workouts for Maximum Fat Burning

These trainer-recommended workouts will work wonders, whether you’re looking to burn loads of calories the low-impact way or developing a steady fitness routine.

1. All-Levels Welcome

If you’re a total newbie to the stationary bike, this is the perfect workout for you. This routine is mostly aerobic but includes short and challenging intervals that burn calories. 

First, you begin with an easy warm-up and then move 3-5 rounds of 6-minute work.

The intensity of your work and rest periods will be gauged according to your rate of perceived exertion (RPE) on a scale of 1 (very easy) to 10 (maximum effort). This means that you bike at a pace that works for your level of fitness.

If you’re a beginner, stick to 3 rounds of the main block work. For more advanced levels, all 5 rounds are great.

2. Cardio and Strength for Higher Levels

In this 45-minute workout, indoor and outdoor cyclists will build three elements in their performance. These are cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and an efficient pedal stroke. 

You will start with a 10-minute warm-up before you move on to the main event, where the goal is to nail 3-minute work sets. The main workout should be repeated for 2-4 rounds. A 5-minute cool down caps off this routine. 

This workout is made for intermediate and advanced cyclists, as you can see on the length of the workout sets.

3. Intro to Hill and Speed Intervals

This workout, which is designed for beginner and intermediate levels, runs for 40-minutes. Your heart rate will be taken through different zones, working on three intervals of different work-to-rest ratios. 

The payoff is tons of scorched calories and an enormous boost to your fitness level. 

The best thing about it? This is actually easy on the joints!

4. Cycle Fartlek

Kristian Flores, CSCS, a strength and conditioning coach in New York City, says that “Fartlek training is a fun way to mix HIIT with steady-state cardio.” Fartlek training is usually associated with running, but in this case, the principle of “speed play” can be applied to stationary biking and any other activity.

Fartlek workouts are often unstructured, which is part of its big appeal. You can go as hard as you can, for as long as you can. Afterwards, you can recover until you are ready to cycle hard again. So this is really all up to your strength and determination. 

This makes Fartlek applicable to all fitness levels, a great way to build endurance and power.

5. 25-Minute Intermediate Intervals

This workout is structured according to your effort level. This is best for people who already have ample experience on the bike, preferable those who have done intervals. Jess Cifelli, master instructor at CYCLEBAR, said that in this way, you’ll have a basic understanding of what different effort levels feel like for you.

The effort levels are the following:

• Low. This requires just a light resistance, something you can do while having a conversation with the person biking next to you.
• Medium. The resistance is cranked up a bit – you can still talk, but not as effortless as the first one.
• High. Forget about the conversation at the moment. Stand up in the saddle to handle the work better.
• Maximum. Definitely no more speaking and there is no assurance you can do this for more than 30 seconds!

6. Power Intervals

According to Lauren ‘Lolo’ Wilson, senior master instructor at CYCLEBAR, “High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts like this pack a punch in a relatively short amount of time.” With this 45-minute routine, you will improve your aerobic capacity, build muscle, and of course, burn fat outrageously.

This is best done by people who exercise 3-5 days a week consistently for at least 6 weeks. For those new to HIIT, Wilson recommends to start with 10 power intervals and add 2 intervals to each workout until you reach 20 total intervals.”

Are you interested to bike but not up to the task of joining a group class? You can just buy your own indoor bike and do this solo in the comforts of your own home. Let our staff help you get the perfect bike for your workouts. Contact Primo Fitness to see our merchandise today!

The post How to Turn Your Stationary Bike Into a Fat-Burning Machine appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Having home gym equipment is one of the best investments you can make for yourself. While going to the gym is a great habit, occasionally life gets in the way, and there’s not enough time in the day to make it there.

Not only do home gym packages help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it also enables you to get a solid workout in without ever needing to leave your home.

Having a home gym has plenty of other great benefits, of course, and today we’re going to take a look at some of them. Continue reading below to learn more about all of the great benefits a home gym has to offer you.

11 Best Things About Having a Home Gym

1 – No Membership Fees

While it may seem like investing in quality home gym equipment is way more expensive than having a gym membership, it does the exact opposite. Home gyms won’t necessarily break the bank, but they can instead help you save money in the future because you will no longer be paying expensive monthly membership fees.

2 – High-Quality Equipment

Though some gyms may have great equipment, the majority of them do not. We’re willing to assume you’ve experienced using sub-par or worn-down equipment at your local gym.

Not all gyms invest in high-quality equipment, but with your own home gym, you can purchase high-quality equipment that is tailored to your fitness needs.

3 – Durable Equipment

Top-notch fitness equipment can cost more than others, and understandably so. Investing in durable home gym equipment means you are not only investing in a long-term fitness plan, but you are also provided with an effective and unparalleled fitness experience.

4 – Avoid Injuries

When it comes to working out, safety should always come first, and that’s the primary reason why you should never compromise on quality equipment. Cheap equipment can not only be damaged easily, but it can also potentially result in an injury that may slow down your progress or prevent you from working out altogether.

5 – Better Training Intensity

With a reliable and properly tested and certified set of home gym equipment, you can exercise at home on your own time, at your own pace, and choose the intensity of each workout. This not only makes for a more customized workout experience but you also never have to worry about if your equipment will be able to keep up with your training.

6 – Consistent Workouts

Most people who are new to the fitness world often overlook a critical aspect when it comes to getting healthy, which is consistency. Meeting your fitness goals won’t happen overnight, and it will take time to see results.

Having access to high-quality equipment 24/7 will not only help you reach your fitness goals faster but can also give you the freedom to train at any time of day or night, and each training session can go according to your fitness schedule.

7 – Stick to a Routine

We understand that sticking to an exercise routine is easier said than done. However, with a home gym, you can get all the workouts you need all from the convenience of your home.

Additionally, with personal gym equipment, you can avoid traffic that often prevents people from going to the gym, while also never having to worry about waiting to use your favorite piece of equipment.

8 – Equipment Selection

Something that is often left unsaid when it comes to going to the gym is the amount of equipment you never use. For some, there are only a few pieces of equipment that they use each time they go to the gym, which can leave many of them wondering if the gym membership is worth it.

With a home gym, you can handpick the equipment you want to purchase, which means you always get to use the equipment you want and need. With a home gym, you can pick and choose the equipment you want to help you meet your precise fitness goals.

9 – Avoid Bad Weather

Bad weather conditions are one of the most common reasons that people skip their workout routine. While it may seem like an excuse, frequently, there are legitimate safety concerns around the decision.

With a home gym, you never have to worry about your commute to the gym and what type of weather you will need to prepare for.

10 – Workout in Private

Exercise helps to relieve stress and anxiety, but going to the gym can sometimes amplify those feelings for some people. You should never feel intimidated to go to the gym, but we understand how frequently it happens and how it can prevent people from getting a quality fitness session.

With a home gym, the only person in the gym is you. This means you never have to worry about the fear of judgment or anything else that may cause nervousness or anxiety with being in the gym.

11 – Everyone Gets to Work Out

Last, but certainly not least, probably the best part about having a home gym is the fact that everyone in the house will also be able to work out together. Whether they are young children, teenagers, adults, or seniors, everyone in the household can enjoy working out with each other.

This is not only great in regard to incorporating family activities around staying healthy but can also help with holding people accountable for their fitness goals and give everyone the chance to cheer on their family members as they reach their goals.

Start Your Home Gym with the Help of Primo Fitness

As you can see, there are several great benefits to having a home gym, and in 2020, it could be one of the best investments you can make for yourself. While it can be challenging to build a home gym that matches what you might get at a local gym or fitness facility, you can build something that’s a reliable alternative.

If you’ve been on the fence about building your own home gym, contact Primo Fitness to learn more about how we can help. At Primo Fitness, our mission is to help each of our customers find the best home gym equipment at the most affordable prices.

Contact Primo Fitness today for all of your home gym equipment needs.

The post Why a Home Gym is Better for Your Fitness Goals appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Who doesn’t want a big booty? Whether you want it for purely aesthetic purposes or for added overall lower body strength (or both!), you will never run out of options to get the glutes that you want. There is no shortage of the glute machines for your lower body in the market; the actual problem is how to choose the equipment that can work for your mission.

But before you go ahead and hand over your hard-earned cash, you have to think carefully about your planned purchase. Spending for a dumbbell or two, or a set or resistance bands is one thing – paying hundreds of thousands of dollars on a machine that will take up considerable space in your home is another.

Here’s what you need to know when buying a glute machine!

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Glute Machine

1. Budget

The saying “You get what you pay for” may be true in a lot of situations, but not necessarily in buying fitness equipment. Just because a particular equipment doesn’t have a price tag that makes you wince doesn’t automatically mean it is not worth your purchase. 

Affordable and cheap need not be synonymous. If budget is an issue, there are plenty of mid-range options with great quality that you can choose from.

2. Quality

The allure of an expensive, branded product is totally understandable, especially with the way those are marketed. There are stores that get to sell a product by the virtue of its brand name. 

Still, while there are branded equipment that ARE worth the buy, there are non-branded equipment that are built for the same purpose, using the same materials, that are worth looking into.

3. Versatility

A lot of these machines or equipment are being sold as multi-tasking products that will make the most out of your money, but come up short on their promises. Or there are products designed to target a specific body part, but turns out you can do the same exercise with multi-tasking equipment.

You have to choose carefully, keeping in mind the exercises that you plan to need to do for your program. Remember that there is equipment you can use not only for your glutes, but for other muscle groups as well.

4. Space

If you’re living in a small studio, buying a big machine is most likely not the practical option for you, especially if you’re living with family. If you only have limited space, it’s best to limit your choices to equipment that you can easily store in your closet when not in use. 

5. Effectiveness

Even the most expensive piece of equipment can’t guarantee you a glorious booty if you’re not using it properly. There are a whole lot of other factors in play, such as the way you use that machine…if you get to use it religiously at all. 

Also, exercise comes hand-in-hand with good nutrition when it comes to getting the body you desire. If you don’t eat right, no equipment or machine in the world can help you get your fitness on.

6. Resistance

When it comes to exercise, there are two types of resistance you will be dealing with – gravity and elastic. There are equipment that use both and there are those designed to deal with just one kind. 

Weights use gravity resistance, while rubber bands and metal springs use elastic resistance. Decide what type you want to use and then choose the right equipment.

7. Portability

Portability is not only a concern for the amount of physical space you have at home. You also have to consider this if you’re constantly travelling and you want to work out when you’re out and about. If this is the case, you are better off buying a set of resistance bands or a set of dumbbells that you can easily take with you wherever you go.

8. Fitness Level

If you’re a fitness newbie and you’re still getting a feel of regular workouts, it’s not wise to invest in expensive machines right away. There are so many people who have done so and ended up losing interest with exercise eventually, leaving the machine to gather dust in the basement. Talk about occupying space and thousands of dollars wasted. 

It’s best to get the most affordable equipment first and if you feel like you can keep this up, then maybe you can switch up to more advanced and more expensive equipment.

Best Glute-Building Equipment for Home Use

With that being said, here are two options worth checking out if you have serious intentions of building up your booty. We have a resistance band set for those looking for portability and a machine for those with space and budget to buy it.

1. INNSTAR Booty Resistance Band Glute Cord System

This cord system is so easy to use! All you need to do is anchor it to the door (hooks are provided for this purpose), then trap the other bands around each of your ankles and you’re ready to go. It’s definitely worth your money since it can be used for more than just the usual leg extensions and kickbacks.

Another great thing about it is that you can use it to target other muscle groups.  Just anchor the cord to the top of the door frame instead of the bottom and then use it to work out your arms, shoulders, and back.

If you’re clueless about how to use resistance bands, no need to worry. This set comes with a guide that can show you the correct techniques and the right exercises for specific muscle groups.

2. Body-Solid GLPH1100 Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine

This looks like an imposing piece of equipment but this is perfect for those who work out on the mid-level to advanced levels. This is made for heavy lifting – it can support up to 1000 pounds. You can do leg press workouts and back squats, with all the weights that you need.

The only “problem,” if you can call it that, with this machine is that you have to spend around two hours to assemble this beast. But you can always count this as part of your workout and besides, no pain, no gain.

So are you looking forward to getting the best booty of your life? Let Primo Fitness help you with your goals. We are the industry’s leading provider of new and used gym equipment for sale and we are the best people to help you find the right equipment or machine for your fitness goals.

Call Primo Fitness today!

The post How to Buy the Best Glute Machines for Your Lower Body appeared first on Primo Fitness.

If you’re planning to upgrade your personal or business gym or have decided that you don’t really need that gym equipment you bought years ago, the next step is to have it removed from your space. You can offer them as gym equipment packages for lease, but most probably you want these taken off your hands to permanently free up space in your gym or home.

A bulky and unwanted piece of exercise machine such as a treadmill or elliptical can take a huge chunk of space in your home. Whether you have decided not to exercise that way anymore or you are planning to upgrade to newer equipment, you have to dispose of the old stuff properly.

Your likely options are to give it away, sell it,  have it recycled, or donate it. Read on to find out how you can go about it!

Sell It

This is a more viable option if your equipment is still working and in good condition. Instead of letting it gather dust in the basement or the garage, why not make money off it? Lots of people are looking to buy or rent gym equipment for their home since new equipment is undeniably expensive.

Some online fitness companies and gym equipment suppliers can actually pick up your equipment and pay you a small amount for it—or you can try to sell it yourself on an online marketplace app.

Your likely buyers are individuals who are looking to build their home gyms or small fitness companies who are willing to take your old equipment. People who rent gym equipment have an online system where they can post or bid for used equipment. This will help you find the best market value buy-back price for your used machine.

If you decide to sell, you will need to do the following to make sure that your transaction will go as smoothly as possible and get a decent profit from it.

• Make sure that your machine is working properly. You will have to do a thorough tune-up before you put it up for sale. If there are stains, scratches, and other minor damages, you need to take note of it and let a potential buyer know about them for transparency.
• Clean it up as well as you can. You can’t sell a product that looks like it just came from the deep bowels of your garage or basement. If you need to disassemble the machine to clean it well, consider calling in someone who knows how to do it well, rather than doing it yourself and ending up breaking the machine.
• Advertise as compellingly and as honestly as possible. Standard info includes the make and model of your equipment, the original price of the item when you bought it, how long you have used it, and minor damages, if there are any.
• Taking pictures of the machine in its present condition. Use the best lighting that you have at your disposal and then take photos from different angles. You can also take a short video of the equipment while it’s running, as proof that it works.
• Look for the best channels to sell it. Fortunately, you have lots of options here. You have online classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, for starters. You can also contact gym equipment suppliers and see if they lease gym equipment and are interested in buying your machine.

Donate It

If you’re not really looking to profit from old stuff and just want to dispose of it, why not just donate? There are lots of places that will want a free treadmill or exercise bike—the local community center, schools, and retirement centers, to name a few.

Oftentimes, these places are in need of exercise equipment and already have people that can fix or maintain exercise equipment. If you have old dumbbells or bicycles lying around your house, you can donate them as well. 

You can also contact the Salvation Army and Goodwill to take care of it for you. This can get you a tax deduction as well. So not only can you help your community, you will also benefit come tax season!

Recycle It

Exercise machines contain materials that are classified as environmental pollutants, so you have to think twice before hauling your equipment to the curb or putting it in the dumpster. They will end up in a landfill and cause pollution because of the non-biodegradable materials.

The good news is that these materials can be recycled, so consider having your machine picked up for recycling instead. You can contact a junk removal company to haul your equipment away and take care of the recycling or donating for you.  

Give It Away

This is definitely the fastest way to get rid of unwanted equipment and the best option if you just want it removed and you don’t care about earning from it and you also don’t want to pay for its disposal. It’s as simple as posting in your social media or Craigslist that you are giving away equipment.

Even if the machine is not working anymore, there are still people who will be interested to take it off your hands. Simply be upfront about it and say if it’s not functioning anymore, or if it has any damages. You can also hold a garage sale and indicate that the machine is for free.

If you do decide to offer your used machine to a gym equipment supplier, make sure to do business with one that has years of experience in dealing with secondhand gym equipment and the fitness equipment industry overall. Not only will you dispose of an unwanted item in your home, you will also get the best deal for selling your second-hand machine.

Call us today!

The post What to Do With Your Old Gym Equipment appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Working out regularly at the gym is not for everyone. There are people who want to exercise but would rather not deal with the crowded space and expensive gym memberships. Exercising at home is a sensible option and you can rent gym equipment if you plan to set up a dedicated space for working out.

Of course, setting up a home gym is easier said than done, especially when it comes to budget considerations. If you are not willing to settle for the bare minimum, you will definitely need to invest in new gym equipment.

With this in mind, you need to know how to build a home gym that will suit your budget. Here’s a guide on how to do it:

Building a Home Gym on Any Budget

General Rules to Follow When Building a Home Gym 

Avoid All-in-one Machines

Manufacturers are constantly cranking up impressive-looking equipment supposedly designed to do it all so you don’t have to buy other stuff. However, the trade-off of machines like these is that they provide more functions for less effectivity.

If you have space and the budget, you are better off spending on sets of smaller equipment that you can maximize for specific purposes.

Don’t Turn Your Living Room Into a Gym

Aside from budget, space is a major consideration when it comes to building a home gym. Resist the urge to transform high-traffic areas such as your living room into a gym. You might trip overweights accidentally, or give up exercise for the day when you see your wide-screen TV with Netflix alongside your squat rack.

The garage, basement, or spare room is still the best place for building a home gym. These areas are private and quiet. You won’t be disturbing anyone while exercising, and in the same way, nothing can distract you from following through on your workout. 

Make Your Space as Inviting as Possible

Just like creating a sensible work-from-home space in your house, your home gym needs to be organized in such a way that you will be motivated to workout.  Aside from the gym equipment, you can spruce up your walls with posters and pictures that will inspire you to add more weights to your bench press.

Also consider putting an awesome stereo system that will crank up tunes to pump you up whenever you are working out. Remove comfortable furniture that can make you too lazy to exercise. No big couches, no bean bags.

With these rules in place, now you can move on to deciding which among these three levels of home gyms that you can build with your budget and space in mind.

Levels of Home Gyms

Level 1: Resistance Bands

Cost: Around $40 to $125 for a set of resistance bands, depending on the maximum level of resistance 

If you are on a very limited budget, sets of resistance bands are your best friends. This is the easiest and most affordable way that you can work out, as long as you know how to use the bands properly.

This is very important—in order to actually see results and build muscle properly, you have to consistently increase the level of stress that your muscles will go through as you exercise.

With using resistance bands, you have to get acquainted with the different variety of bands in a set and the multiple levels of resistance that you can get from them. Once you learn how to use them properly, resistance bands can train your major muscle groups by doing versions of chest and shoulder presses, squats, and other common weight exercises.

However, keep in mind that resistance bands do not have the same feel as using free weights. If you are used to doing deadlifts and heavy squats, obviously you will need more than resistance bands.

Level 2: Adjustable Bench and Dumbbells

Costs: $400-900, depending on the brand of weights and maximum adjustable weights

This option is the closest you can get to the feel of a traditional gym. All you need is a gym equipment package for lease that includes an adjustable bench, a set of adjustable dumbbells, and a pull-up bar, which can be optional. We need to stress the importance of having adjustable weights because you can’t increase levels of resistance so much with regular dumbbells.

It’s cost-effective and space-saving as well, compared to buying several pairs or sets of regular dumbbells with fixed weights. Adding a pull-up bar to the setup will allow you to do pull-ups and chin-ups to your routine, which is great for your lats.

While this is a definite improvement from resistance bands, this still can’t replace the intensity of exercises that involve bigger equipment, such as deadlifts and squats.

Level 3: Power Rack with Barbell Set and Adjustable Bench

Costs: $1000-2000+, depending on the brand of power rack, bench, and weights

There are four major factors to be considered in buying a power rack: size, cost, build quality, and whether it needs to be bolted to the floor.

There are power racks that do not have to be bolted to the floor and at reasonable costs as well. Lease gym equipment that comes with a dip and pull-up bar.

As for the barbell set, you will need an Olympic bar, which ranges from $112 to $220. When it comes to weights, you can choose between plates made of rubber or metal. Start off with at least 300 lbs. in total and then add more as needed.

Breaking this down, you can get the following:

• Four pieces of 45 lb plates
• Two pieces of 25 lb plates
• Two pieces of  10 lb plates
• Two pieces of 5 lb plates
• Two pieces of 2.5 lb plates

Extras

Of course, if you have more cash to spare, you can splurge on extra equipment that can make your workouts more fun, safe, and comfortable. 

If you have invested in heavy equipment, you can also consider getting home gym flooring installed to protect your floors and minimize sound, if noise is a concern.

If you like more variety in your cardio, you can invest in an exercise bike and/or vertical climber.

So with several options and one that costs as low as $40, you don’t have to just rent gym equipment for your home; you can buy equipment brand-new. there really is no excuse not to set-up your own exercise space in your home with equipment that you can call your own.

Call Primo Fitness today to see our home gym options for every budget!

The post How to Build a Home Gym For Every Budget  appeared first on Primo Fitness.

Itching to get back on your fitness regimen, even in the midst of a pandemic? Building your home gym is a great alternative. Depending on your budget, you can buy or rent gym equipment.

Renting gym equipment comes with its own advantages. For instance, the pandemic situation is expected to only be temporary. Once it is safe to resume your regular workouts at the gym, you may no longer need to rent gym equipment for home use.

However, if you foresee that you want to personalize your home gym for the long term, you might be better off buying brand-new equipment.

Here are a few things to consider when setting up your own gym at home:

Factors to Consider When Setting Up Your Own Gym at Home: 

Now pimping your home gym entails careful consideration of the stuff you will bring into your home. Aside from budget and space constraints, you will have to keep form and function in mind when choosing the equipment, from machines to free weights.

Cost 

Decide on how much you can reasonably spend on supplies and equipment. You will end up shelling out at least several thousand dollars if you are planning a power rack set-up. If you can’t afford to spend that much, there are more affordable options, such as resistance bands and adjustable weights.

Space 

Obviously, it’s not a sensible idea to buy a power rack or bulky machines if you only have, say, 100 square feet to spare in your home, even if you can afford the expensive equipment. The good thing is that you can lease gym equipment for home use in compact sizes, so it leaves you more room to maneuver your set-up.

If you don’t have enough space, it’s best to stick to resistance bands and free weights that you can stack closely on one corner of your house.

Function

You need to ask yourself what your fitness goals are before you invest in equipment. If you intend to build more muscle, you have to invest in weightlifting equipment such as dumbbells and benches.  If you prefer more cardio and you don’t want to rely on just running outside or skipping rope, you can make room for an exercise bike or a treadmill.

That being said, there are different types of equipment to keep in mind when setting up your home gym.

Types of Gym Equipment 

Bodyweight Resistance Equipment 

If you don’t fancy playing around with weights and machines or you simply don’t have the space for those, you will end up investing in the most affordable option, which is bodyweight resistance equipment. Here you primarily use your own body weight as resistance and with the help of light equipment such as resistance bands, and suspension training set.

Weight Equipment 

This is also a form of resistance training but with the use of weight equipment such as barbells and kettlebells. Compared to bodyweight resistance training, weight training builds more muscle mass, which leads to a more sculpted look in your body.

At the very least, you have to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells, bars, free weights, and an adjustable bench. If you have more budget to spare and you want intense workouts involving heavy lifting, you need to look at power racks and Olympic bars.

Cardio Equipment

For those who simply just want to feel the rush of getting the heart rate up, it’s definitely cardio equipment for them. You are not just limited to treadmills and exercise bikes; there are more sophisticated options such as rowing machines and elliptical trainers if you have space and money to have them.

Of course, not all can afford or have the space to build a full-size gym at the house. Most likely, you will have to choose one or two bigger machines that you can maximize the use of, plus several smaller equipment that you can utilize in different ways.

You can also add equipment that can aid muscle recovery during and after your workouts.

Recommended Home Gym Equipment

Rowing Machine 

Lots of people love rowing machines. Aside from the fact that it exercises pretty much the whole body, there’s something calming about the repetitive motions when you do the rowing.

A good rowing machine should be able to self-calibrate, delivers real-time data, and has a wireless connection to apps and heart rate belts. Look for rowing machines with ergonomic handles, adjustable footrests, and a stowaway design.

Suspension Training Set

Many consider suspension training sets as the perfect workout companion. They’re lightweight, affordable, and can be used in so many ways. You can burn fat and build muscle by just mastering several foundational movements using a single set.

A standard suspension set includes a suspension anchor, door anchor, locking loop, webbing, and barrel lock adjusters. All these should be contained in a travel pouch that you can easily take anywhere.

Exercise Mats

Gym equipment packages for lease may not come with flooring options, but it’s very important if noise is an issue or you have a tendency to drop weights on the floor. Mats will keep your floors and your equipment intact.

Look for mats with interlocking non-skid texture tiles made of EVA foam, which are easy to assemble, reduce noise, protect against skidding, and water-resistant.

Power Towers 

If you are the type who loves doing pull-ups, dips, and raises at the gym, then you should definitely invest in a power tower for your personal use.

A standard power tower should have handles for push-up handles, tricep-dip handles, split handle grip, and vertical knee raise. Look for one that has comfortable and supportive finishing, scratch-resistant finish, and ergonomically contoured back and arm pads.

Punching Bag 

Even if you don’t have plans to beat anyone to a pulp anytime soon, we can all use a punching bag for awesome cardio that allows us to release all that pent-up stress! Make sure that you get one that has heavy-duty nylon straps and made from at least durable synthetic leather.

Don’t forget to buy hand wraps and a pair of boxing gloves to use with your bag!

Powerful Bluetooth Speakers

What’s a home gym without a decent sound system? Now you don’t have to get large speakers that are better suited for the club; just a high-quality Bluetooth-capable one will do nicely. Since you own the gym, you don’t have to wear earphones and hide your playlist from anyone.

We know that it’s so easy to get lost in the sea of stuff when it comes to shopping for your own workout space. With this simple guide, you will have an easier time choosing equipment for your personal fitness goals. Call Primo Fitness today to learn more about our home gym packages!

The post How to Pimp Your Gym with Function and Form in Mind appeared first on Primo Fitness.

The benefits of building your own gym at home are numerous. Aside from not having to leave your house just to accomplish your fitness goals, you also do away with expensive gym membership fees and avoid having to wait for your turn at the squat rack. You can either buy or rent gym equipment for your home.

Here’s what you’ll need to put on your list!

What You Need in Your Home Gym for Strength Training

Barbell

No gym made for strength training is complete without a barbell. The barbell is king—simple enough to use by anyone, and everyone can benefit from using it. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced lifter, the barbell will always be useful.

If you’re a regular gym rat, you already know that the barbell can be used for many exercises: squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, snatch, and clean & jerk. It is also good for more advanced exercises, such as landmine lunges, JM press, Jefferson deadlifts, and pronated barbell row.

Generally, a barbell is cheap and you truly get your money’s worth because of its versatility. There’s so much you can do with an Olympic bar and several pairs of weight plates.

Weight Plates

Plates go hand in hand with owning a barbell and you will need several sets in order to maximize the effectiveness of barbells as a whole. There are two kinds of plates—iron and bumper.

Iron plates are usually made of cast iron, although there are some made out of steel. This is done if someone wants to have a perfectly calibrated set of plates. Iron plates are also cheaper, which makes it easier to recommend, especially for non-professionals.

On the other hand, bumper plates are mostly made out of virgin rubber. Some are made from urethane. There are really light and really cheap ones that are actually made out of plastic.

When it comes to weights, you will definitely benefit from checking out gym equipment packages for lease. Plates are made durable and can be used for a very long time. You only need to check out your reliable gym equipment supplier for plates for rent.

Squat Rack

Anyone worth his salt when it comes to strength training knows the value of the squat rack. The racks range from small ones to the six-post power racks used by professionals and serious trainees. For home use, you need to look at the standard hole size, high-weight capacity, and upright dimensions. The rack should also be able to accommodate accessories like pull-up bars.

When it comes to value for investment, there’s no doubt about it when it comes to squat racks given its versatility. You use it not just for squats, you can use it for pulls, dips, and exercises for the lats.

Bench

The bench press is one of the most popular weight exercises ever, especially for the men. This is just one of the reasons why you need to buy a weight bench to go along with your barbell, plates, and squat rack.

At the most basic level, a flat bench is good enough to get stuff done, but if you have the budget to spare, it’s best to go for the adjustable one.

Now if you do decide to get an adjustable bench, avoid buying the cheap ones in the market. You need the quality not just for durability but also for personal safety as well.

Cardio Equipment

If you’re somebody who is dedicated to doing cardio, you can lease gym equipment that can give you the exercise you need without having to go outside for runs. If you’re on a modest budget, you can skip the treadmill and save your money for an air bike or rowing machine instead.

The treadmill will only focus on your lower body, while a rowing machine works out your entire body. The repeated rowing motions is more effective when it comes to building muscle, since it engages the upper and lower body at the same time.

As for the air bike—while it’s true that the treadmill burns more calories, the bike provides greater benefits strength-wise and has a lower injury risk factor. It’s ideal for those who want to go easy on their body, especially the joints.

Floor Mats

Even if your home gym is in the garage, you still need to mind the floors. If you’re the type who drops weights on the floor, you run the risk of damaging both the flooring and your equipment as well. Floor mats are worth the investment, especially if noise is going to become an issue.

Now there are lots of options when it comes to exercise mats, but consider going for horse stall mats instead. They are cheaper and just as effective, if not more. Exercise mats are generally thinner in comparison and usually more expensive. If a mat can withstand the weight of horses and last for decades, it can certainly stand up against the weight of people and metal equipment.

Where to Put Your Home Gym

It’s a no-brainer that the basement or garage is the best place to set up your home gym. Aside from the open space, you can do customizations at the garage all you want without disturbing the rest of the house.

But this should not stop you from setting up in other parts of your home, especially in the absence of a garage. A spare bedroom can be converted to house your equipment.

However, it’s not recommended to turn high-traffic areas in your house into a place for exercise. You don’t want to trip on your weights scattered in your living room.

If you’re on a budget, you can rent gym equipment. This will give you the same long-term benefits for a lesser price. You can start or maintain your fitness journey consistently without having to worry too much about cost.

If you can afford to stretch your budget out a little more, however, buying your own equipment will still be your best bet. Call Primo Fitness today to learn more about our home gym packages!

The post How to Optimize Your Home Gym for Strength Training appeared first on Primo Fitness.

However, not every workout routine will work for every person, which means that you need the right workout companion and routine in order to maximize your exercise.  If you’re a newcomer, you might need to start slow and basic in order to get your body ready for the intensity. If you’re more experienced, you might want a more complex routine that will make you work harder. 

If you’re looking for a workout companion that can provide you with a varied set of routines, the StairMaster Gauntlet is the best exercise solution.

Best StairMaster Gauntlet Workouts

While performing the same set of exercise routines can help your body gain strength and stamina, you need to diversify your workout in order to challenge your body as it improves. StairMaster 8 series Gauntlet is a machine that offers you this kind of versatility, enabling you to choose different workout options that will push you to greater heights.

With that in mind, here are the workouts you can get using the StairMaster Gauntlet:

Fat and Calorie Burner

To start with, the StairMaster Gauntlet also has Fat and Calorie Burner workouts. Most stepper exercises are done to burn away fat and calories to develop muscles, and these sets of workouts are efficient and effective at achieving that goal.

Fat and Calorie Burner workouts offer a set of exercise routines you need to follow, ranging from basic to high intensity steps. If you’re looking to kick-start your exercise routines and get fit, this is the best workout program to help you learn the ropes. Later on, you can adjust the routines to  provide the ideal intensity for you. 

Fitness Tests

Sometimes, you would like to get to know more information about your performance after each workout. This will help you know if you are improving after each session, and reaching your fitness goals. This is where fitness tests come in, which is something that StairMaster Gauntlet has to offer.

Multi-Stage Fitness Test

The first test you can choose is the Multi-Stage Fitness Test. This is a series of challenges and routines that would evaluate your performance. This is a standard test that gives you crucial data on how you can improve and push harder in your workouts. This is effective for people who regularly workout, helping them see if they need to change their routine up.

Candidate Physical Ability Test

The next test is the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which is an assessment program that evaluates an individual’s ability to handle becoming a firefighter. Being a firefighter is one of the most mentally and physically demanding professions out there, and this test will push you to your limits.

Wellness/Fitness Initiative Test

The third test that you can perform in the StairMaster Gauntlet is the Wellness/Fitness Initiative Test (WFI) Test, which is an assessment program for emergency responders.

Like the CPAT Test, this will evaluate whether or not your performance is fit for you to become an emergency responder, which is another physically demanding profession. 

An exercise machine is supposed to help you push your physical limits, and these tests will surely help you achieve that goal. These are some of the most intense physical tests available, making them a great way to assess your physical ability.

Beast Spartan Race Training Program

Arguably one of the most physically intense events anywhere in the world, the Spartan Race is a challenge that pushes you to your very limits, making you perform a series of increasingly difficult tasks of overcoming one obstacle after another. 

It is an excellent display of athletic ability and mental resolve, and you can replicate some parts of this challenging routine using the StairMaster machine.

The Beast Spartan Race Training Program offers a series of workout routines that will help you meet the physical requirements of the race. That means increasing elevation to handle steep climbs, including the signature trifecta of events such as the Sprint, Super and Beast.

Each stage is vigorous throughout, and helps develop your mental grit, endurance, and strength. By the end of your workout, you will surely feel the intensity that each athlete goes through in every Spartan Race. 

If you’re looking for the most extreme workout available, the Beast Spartan Race Training program will help you push past your limits.

Landmark Challenge Program

If you’re looking for a more entertaining and unique challenge during your workout, then the Landmark Challenge program might be something you’d want to try out.

This workout program has you climbing across different landmarks all over the world, from the beautiful Eiffel Tower, the captivating Taj Mahal, to the iconic Statue of Liberty, you have a selection of interesting locations where you can test your fitness. 

This is not only a workout that will push you, but it also provides an entertaining twist that keeps each routine fresh and fun. Workouts can get repetitive and boring over time, but by doing the Landmark Challenge, each session can provide a different experience that keeps you looking forward to the next one.

Multiple Workouts, One Machine

If you’re looking to upgrade your workout and take it to the next level, then you’ll want to find a StairMaster for sale.

With a wide range of features that offer different kinds of challenges and tests, you are sure that your workout experience is always new and unique. From beginner-level workouts that will help get you started on your fitness journey, to complex programs that push your body to new limits, the StairMaster Gauntlet is the workout companion you need. 

Finding the right workout companion can be hard, but the StairMaster Gauntlet provides you with so much versatility and quality that it makes it a must-buy. 

To find a StairMaster Gauntlet for sale, visit the Primo Fitness USA website today!

The post What Workouts Can I Get With The StairMaster Gauntlet? appeared first on Primo Fitness.

While standard exercise equipment like treadmills are very common, you might want something more versatile, which is why the StairMaster Gauntlet might be just right for you. 

What are the benefits of a StairMaster Gauntlet workout?

Performing a workout helps push your body in order to become a better version of yourself. To help you achieve this, you will need a workout companion that will give you the best workout routines available.

With that in mind, here are the benefits of using a StairMaster 8 series Gauntlet for your workout:

Improved Lower Body Strength

A stepper machine allows you to create workouts centered around your hips, buttocks, and legs. This makes the StairMaster Gauntlet great for improving your lower body strength. 

This is because the amount of resistance that a StairMaster provides is more challenging. Climbing up means going forward on increasingly steep angles, making your lower body work harder for a long period of time. 

Using a Stairmaster regularly will develop your leg muscles and glutes, making them stronger and more defined than before. 

Better Cardio and Stamina

Another benefit of improving your lower body strength is having improved stamina, eventually allowing you push for longer workout sessions. Stepper machines like the Stairmaster Gauntlet are designed to improve your muscle strength and stamina, which is what the StairMaster Gauntlet can provide. 

By performing high-intensity workout sessions with the Gauntlet, you can build up your cardio, increasing endurance by a great margin after a number of routines. A garden-variety treadmill can burn calories quickly, but stepper machines are more intense, making you work harder step after step.

Increasingly Challenging Workouts

Using the StairMaster Gauntlet allows you to perform increasingly difficult sessions by using electronic controls to adjust your settings quickly. These controls enable you to customize your settings, helping you create a balance between comfort and intensity whenever needed. 

Some exercise machines can be difficult to control and adjust, but the StairMaster Gauntlet ensures that you will not face these issues when working out. 

If you want to start slow, you can adjust the machine to a moderate speed, and work your way up. You can also adjust the angles of the steps, making each climb steeper than the last.

If you want to add a novel twist to your routine, you can choose to activate the Landmark Challenge feature, which tasks you simulate climbing on different landmarks all over the world. Imagine trying to go up the Statue of Liberty in one routine, and going up the Eiffel Tower the next! These sessions offer something fresh, giving you more challenges outside your usual routine.

Low Impact on Joints

Most exercise machines provide you with high impact workout routines. While this improves your overall strength and stamina, this can cause more wear and tear on your joints. You are vulnerable to injuries and prolonged soreness, which can hamper your fitness goals in the long run. 

You want a machine that will give you intense workouts, while lessening the impact on your body. The StairMaster Gauntlet is the best workout companion for this, because the machine gives you low impact workouts that reduce the shock on your muscles and joints, making them even stronger by the end of your routine. 

If you’re looking for an intense workout session that will not impact your body as heavily compared to other machines, choosing the StairMaster Gauntlet is the best option. 

More Dynamic Than Actual Stairs

Stepper machines emulate the feeling of climbing up actual staircases. While working out by climbing the stairs is an intense workout session, the StairMaster Gauntlet simply provides a better experience. 

Working out on an actual staircase over and over again won’t provide you with new challenges over time. The features in the StairMaster machine offer you changeable options to make your climbing faster and more challenging than real stairs. You can make the steps move faster or become steeper, increasing your workout as your body gets stronger.

Further, going up actual stairs means that at some point, you’ll have to go back down again to restart your routine. Jogging down the stairs creates impact on your knees, increasing wear and tear on the joint. In contrast, workouts on a StairMaster only involve going up the stairs, giving you the same workout for less risk of injury.

Convenience at Home

The best part about using this stepper machine is that you can create an intense workout session without having to leave your home or go out.

While the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, it remains inadvisable to linger in public places. Gyms may be closed, and even hanging around the common stairwells of your building can put you at risk for contracting the virus. 

If you pick up a StairMaster for sale, you can accomplish your workouts safely at home. Alongside the many features that we mentioned, you can also use an OpenHub console to track your fitness goals – a nifty substitute while you can’t work out with your trainer.

High Intensity, Low Impact

With all of these features and benefits, the StairMaster Gauntlet is surely better than climbing a flight of stairs on a regular basis. 

Workout routines are designed to be challenging and intense, help you gain strength, and keep your body healthy. Having the right machine that ticks all those boxes is important, and the StairMaster Gauntlet is the best stepper machine option in the market.If you’re looking for a StairMaster Gauntlet for sale, call Primo Fitness USA today!

The post Benefits of a High Intensity Workout with the StairMaster Gauntlet: appeared first on Primo Fitness.

This is where the StairMaster Gauntlet comes in. With over 30 years’ worth of development, the StairMaster Gauntlet is the latest in the product line, providing superior performance and features that will make your exercise routines a more efficient and challenging experience. 

In this article, we’ll be comparing the StairMaster to your regular treadmill so you can understand their biggest differences.

The Difference Between a StairMaster Gauntlet and a Treadmill

Stepping vs. Running

While both machines aim to help strengthen your body and lose some calories, they are two different types of exercise machines. The StairMaster 8 series Gauntlet is a stepper machine that simulates climbing a flight of stairs, while a treadmill is a machine that allows you to simulate running or jogging on flat land. 

While a treadmill is seen as a must-have piece of exercise equipment, the range of movement that you can do with it is limited. Running and jogging might give your legs a good amount of work, but having a stepper machine like the StairMaster will give you more versatility. 

Stepper machines not only allow you to strengthen leg muscles, but also engages your hips, knees, and glutes more. Compared to the flat treadmill, a stepper requires you to lift your whole leg as if to clear the steps of a stair. In this way, a StairMaster Gauntlet will help you work on more muscle groups than a treadmill. 

Treadmills are one of the most popular types of exercise equipment, but getting a StairMaster Gauntlet will offer you a better workout overall. 

More Features

Versatility is a great feature to have in exercise equipment, as it provides you with more options on how to work different areas of your body. Your machine should also be able to offer new challenges as your body gets stronger.

When it comes to features, treadmills would not offer you too much aside from different speed options. This means that you will only be doing a limited set of routines, and track the same type of stats while working out.

A stepper machine will offer you more, which is why choosing a StairMaster Gauntlet is the better option. Along with different stepping speeds, you can adjust the height of each step, which can give you a more challenging workout that makes you push your legs and heart harder.

You also have more control over the speed of the machine using an electronically controlled alternator, giving you a great balance that offers both challenge and comfort. 

One of the unique features of the StairMaster machine is the Landmark Challenge Program, which allows you to climb well-known landmarks across the world. You can pretend to be touring famous places around the world like the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty.

Alongside all of this, you also get a hot bar that has a stop button if you need to end your workouts, a heart rate tracker, and level control. Given these extra features, choosing the StairMaster Gauntlet is clearly the superior option, offering you with more workout options compared to other machines. 

Burning Calories and Muscle Development

The amount of calories that you are burning after each workout is important. You need to measure this to decide the weight and length of your routine. The more you burn, the more intense or demanding the workout is.

A treadmill might give you a good burn after quite a while. However, due to the flat plane and simple mechanics, you need to stay on the treadmill longer if you want to lose more calories.

To burn more calories in a shorter amount of time, the StairMaster Gauntlet is what you should get. 30 minutes of using the StairMaster can help you burn 400 calories. You can also increase the intensity of your workout, which can help you lose even more. 

Your muscles will also develop differently when using a stepper machine. The climbing action of the StairMaster helps develop your glutes and your joints. The inclined plane demands a greater range of motion than a flat treadmill. With the StairMaster Gauntlet, you can get more intense workouts, and have better lower body strength. 

Steppers Take You Higher than Treadmills

While the treadmill is the basic cardio machine, picking up a StairMaster for sale can offer plenty more advantages. With a range of features that provide varying levels of difficulty by adjusting the speed and level of your steps, you can create a variety of intense and efficient routines. 

Exercise is all about strengthening your body, and using a StairMaster burns more calories, and improves your lower-body strength. Unlike a treadmill where the routine is straightforward, stepper machines provide a wider range of movement that allows you to work on your joints and muscles much better. 

By knowing more about what the StairMaster Gauntlet offers compared to choosing a treadmill, you can see the benefits it provides to keeping your body strong and healthy. 

If you’re ready to purchase a StairMaster Gauntlet for sale, call Primo Fitness USA today!

The post The StairMaster Gauntlet vs a Treadmill appeared first on Primo Fitness.

This means choosing the ideal workout companion that offers something new and fresh into your routine. You can do this by choosing a machine that has a wide range of features that keep your workouts fresh and intense at the same time. This is what the StairMaster Gauntlet has to offer. 

Why is the StairMaster Gauntlet the Ideal Workout Companion? 

With over 30 years worth of development, the StairMaster 8 Series Gauntlet has been fine-tuned and designed to provide you with the best workout available. With a dynamic design and a wide range of features, this stepper machine surely has something remarkable to offer. 

With so many options available on the market, why is the StairMaster Gauntlet the machine that you need to get? Here are some of the best reasons why it’s the ideal workout companion: 

StairMaster Gauntlet Features

Comfortable Design

Compared to previous StairMaster machines, the Gauntlet features the most ergonomic design. With a deeper and wider step surface, your feet and legs suffer from less tension while doing your vigorous cardio and strength training routines.

The StairMaster Gauntlet is also very durable, with a polypropylene construction that makes it rust-free and helps it last longer. Exercise machines tend to experience a great amount of wear and tear, and the materials used in the Gauntlet make sure that it can withstand even the most intense workout sessions. 

It can be difficult to create a machine that offers a great balance of comfort and function, but the StairMaster Gauntlet offers both thanks to a great design. 

Landmark Challenge Program

The StairMaster Gauntlet offers a host of features that will provide you with the best workout routines. One of these is the Landmark Challenge Program, which adds an “international” twist to your exercise. 

Depending on the options you use, you can choose whichever famous world landmark to work out on, from the Taj Mahal to the Statue of Liberty, and even the Eiffel Tower. Workouts are repetitive routines that can get boring when you do them regularly, but by implementing these features, you can add a taste of adventure that makes each daily workout hit different.

Adjustable Revolving Staircase

Ideally, an exercise machine must be versatile enough to cater to a person’s evolving fitness routine. This means having adjustable settings to ensure that a balance between comfort and intensity is properly set. 

The StairMaster models for sale do this by offering adjustable revolving staircases, which can change in speed depending on the intensity and difficulty of the workout.

The Gauntlet has 8 steps, with variable stair speed that allows from 24 to 162 steps per minute. This means that you can start by taking it slowly, and try moving up to faster speeds if you’re looking for a harder challenge. 

Compared to a standard treadmill, the speed options provide you more freedom and comfort, making sure that your exercise experience remains rewarding. If you’re looking for a machine that you can use for beginner to advanced level workouts, the StairMaster Gauntlet is your best choice. 

Electronic Controls and Hot Bar

Today’s line of exercise machines is now mostly digital, and the StairMaster Gauntlet has also taken this step.

With electronic controls, you can quickly make all the necessary adjustments you need to make your workout experience better. The controls are precise, helping you find the right speed and settings without worrying that you’re not getting exactly the right configuration in place.

These adjustments will automatically be inputted into the alternator, brakes, and drive chain, providing the right speed and control. 

Alongside electronic controls, the StairMaster Gauntlet also has a hot bar where  you can control the machine’s level. You also have the option to stop the machine completely, or have it monitor your heart rate as you do your workout.

With the latest technology in place, you can ensure that the StairMaster machine offers the best performance available. 

OpenHub Console

When it comes to fitness technology, you want a system that enables you to track your fitness goals, while managing the rest of your exercise equipment on the fly. This is what OpenHub’s line of fitness consoles have to offer, and all three types are compatible with the StairMaster Gauntlet. 

Highly portable and versatile, the OpenHub console enables you to track and manage your daily exercise routines, making it another great workout partner to have alongside the StairMaster machine.

You can track and capture all of your exercise data and share them through supported apps. This means you can take a look at your performance daily and monitor your improvement over time. 

You can also browse through the web and stream using your mobile device, allowing you to have some entertainment while doing your workout. By using the OpenHub console on the StairMaster Gauntlet, you will be able to have the best workout companion, keeping you healthy and entertained at the same time. 

Take Home Your New Best Friend

It is important to find the ideal workout companion, as it can help you achieve your fitness goals in the most comfortable way possible. By choosing the StairMaster Gauntlet, you can make sure that your exercise experience is improved.

With a dynamic set of features and systems available, you have a versatile exercise platform that keeps your body strong and healthy, while making sure that you can find the right settings that will give you an intense workout session.

You can also make your experience an entertaining one too, which helps freshen up your routine and make it more enjoyable than before. 

To find a StairMaster Gauntlet for sale, call Primo Fitness USA today!

The post Why the StairMaster Gauntlet is the Ideal Workout Companion appeared first on Primo Fitness.