Equipment Questions and Answers
Updated Wednesday 09/02/03

Q. From Kimora sent on 8/16/2003: I have a stationery bike, and am currently doing 15min sessions in the morning, 3 reps of sittups, and 3 reps of pushups for toning my abs, and my arms, and the bike for the high intensity workout.  I was wondering am I doing the bike long enough.  I also like to swim to switch it up, but would I have to swim fast, would regular laps help tone my body.  I was looking into doing the protein shakes also.

A. If you are performing you bike at a high intensity you are performing it long enough. It all depends on the intensity.

Q. From Jerry sent on 8/06/2003: I exercise at home using freeweights.  For my calves, I do one-legged calf raises using a wide leather "chain belt" which allows the weight plates to hang suspended between my legs. (Great for dips, too) The problem is that my calf strength is getting to the point where the weight I need to load on the belt is moving from the point of being uncomfortable to downright painful (the weight makes the belt cinch very tight around my waist).  Any ideas for how I can continue to progress with calf home workouts without cutting off my circulation?  Thanks.

A. The only thing I can recommend is purchasing a squat rack and using barbell with weight to perform you calve raises.

Q. From Rachel on 6/25/2003: I am a very fit 17 year old girl. The only problem is my love handles. They really bother me. How do I get rid of them?

A. You need to lose more weight overall. Your body happens to store the majority of fat in that area. 

Q. From Lindee on 6/25/2003: I hope this does not sound stupid but when you say free weights do you mean dumbbells you can by at wal-mart and ankle weights or what? i have never done any type of weights before and am a little confused

A. Free weights are weights that are not attached to a machine or pulley. For example, dumbbells and barbells are both considered free weights as well as ankle weights etc. 

Q. From Jessie: I'm seeking a very high quality product.Could u suggest me some brand? For Gym use.thx

A. Try Ivanco, elieko (sp?), and elitefitnesssystems.com.

Q. From Tony: I currently have an old bench press and a couple hundred pounds of free weights .  I have a 14 year old daughter that is a cheerleader .  She and I are getting interested in lifting weights.  I have not lifted in years and have been thinking about upgrading my bench and start serious weight training.  What do you recommend that both her and I could use?  I am thinking of a plate machine with butterfly capability and a pull down bar for biceps and triceps that Dick's Sporting goods has on sale.  Kmart has a 140 lb. weider bench press with butterfly capability.  I have also checked out the crossbow and bowflex, but am wondering if they are worth the money as compared to free weights or a $99 machine from Dick's.  What do you recommend?  Is there a book or website that ranks these pieces of equipment by price and versatility?  thank you-Tony

A. I would suggest you spend your money on free weights. They are more versatile and cost efficient. You can get a much better workout for a cheaper price with the free weights.

Q. From John: Is the Total Gym 2000 a good piece of exercise equipment?

A. I would suggest you invest in some free weights instead. I don't think it is a very high quality product.

Q. From Hector: Bob, I own a Versalift by NordicTrack since quite a time. I am starting to use it again and I was wondering whether there were previous experience using this machine and you had knowledge about.
Thanks

A. Sorry Hector, I don't have any experience with that machine.

Q. I currently train in a gym three times a week performing a mixture of weights and cardio exercise.  I see some of the guys at my gym wearing weightlifting belts, why do they wear these and should I be wearing one when lifting weights?

A. There are times you should and shouldn't wear a belt. You do not need to wear a belt unless you are lifting heavy weights and performing certain exercises. If you are performing squats or deadlifts with 90% or higher of your 1 rep max, then you should wear a belt. The reason powerlifters and others who lift above 90% of their 1 rep max wear a belt, is to keep them tight in the trunk. When one fills his belly with air and has a belt on, this creates a balloon type of affect in the mid section and provides stability in the trunk. Habitual wearing of a belt can lead to a weaker back. You need to only wear a belt when you exceed 90% of your 1rm.