// Each item takes this form [question, answer] var questions = [ [ "Select a question...", "Click the dropdown above to select a question or ask your own by clicking the button on the right" ], [ "What piece of fitness equipment should I buy?", "This can be a tough question that is usually answered by asking additional questions. Be careful when shopping if you run into a sales guy that gives you a specific piece of equipment right away without asking any questions; he or she may not have your best interests at heart. General questions usually get general answers. So, please do some homework on the equipment your looking for. Another way to get good information is to talk to salespeople that are knowledgeable - So you may have to try a few places.

Here are a few questions that should be asked of you:What kind of space do you have available?
What is an activity you like to do?
What are your fitness goals? (This piece of equipment may be supplementing your workouts, or you may be training for a marathon. All this will play a part in finding the right piece of equipment)
Do you have any health or physical limitation to using equipment?
What are your expectations from this piece of equipment?
How many users will there be using this piece of equipment?


Depending on how you answer these questions additional questions should be triggered in the salesman's head- many, many more questions should be asked to help you find the right piece of fitness equipment. This will help narrow down every piece of equipment into categories and sub categories. The three most popular categories for cardio workouts are: Treadmills, Ellipticals, and Exercise Bikes. Usually everyone finds what they're looking for in these three categories. On the other hand there is strength equipment that usually falls into two categories; home gyms and free weights. This question on how to find the right piece of fitness equipment can drag out, but the best way to find the answer is by asking a lot of questions and find someone knowledgeable to help you." ], [ "Should I strength train?", "Despite what you may have heard, strength training should be a major part of just about everyone's fitness or weight loss program. In fact, in terms of fat loss, it's probably more important than aerobic exercise. Why? Here's the 'simple' answer: the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns - even when you're not doing anything!

One of the major reasons why 'yo yo' dieters consistently fail to keep the weight off is because, every time they dramatically cut their calories, they lose significant amounts of muscle tissue. In fact, on a typical low-calorie diet about 25 percent of all weight loss is from muscle loss.

If you're like 99.9% of dieters, you're really trying to lose fat, not just 'weight' (and especially not lean muscle tissue).Muscle tissue is highly active. Every pound burns about 35 calories per day, just to maintain itself. This 'maintenance' process is a big part of your natural metabolism, or calorie-burning system. When you lose muscle your metabolism slows down (often permanently!) and it becomes harder and harder to lose weight and keep it off.

So what's the solution? First of all, never go on a low-calorie diet. They simply don't work (for more reasons than the one stated above). Secondly, begin a basic strength training program which involves working all the major muscles in the body at least once or twice per week. The easiest way to add muscle is with weights and weight machines but you can also use your own body weight, rubber fitness bands, etc.

If you're a beginner make sure to consult with a personal trainer who can teach you proper strength training/weight lifting technique before you begin. Also, most people only need to perform strength training about 3 times per week, 40 minutes per session, in order to see good results quickly." ], [ "Do you have anything smaller?", "If you have been shopping for fitness equipment you may have seen that it is not always the smallest purchase. In your shopping and looking around you may have seen some fitness equipment is smaller then others. So what's the difference? Assuming that space is not a problem and speaking only about the foot print size of fitness equipment.
Most manufacturers of specialty fitness know that space is an important reason why people will buy or not buy. They also know that it is important to have a machine that has great biomechanics and keep you in proper form then a piece of equipment that could cause injury. This is the reason why fitness equipment usually has a larger footprint. It is to help the user have the greatest chance of achieving their fitness goals while not getting injured.
Smaller footprints are only designed for space and not for the user. They are typically cheap and are not very well made. So, don't base your entire purchase decision on the size of the equipment because there is important reason for the size of the equipment." ], [ "Do you have anything cheaper?", "Yes, of course there is cheaper fitness equipment. The problem is that it's cheap! Price and quality go hand in hand. Take treadmills for example: If you are a lighter person and only plan on walking on the treadmill then you can buy a cheaper one. The situation changes if you add more users, weight, or intensity to the use of that treadmill. So, it depends on your situation and how long you want your fitness equipment to last. You better know what you're looking for and what your needs are. Otherwise you could have a bad experience buying fitness equipment. " ], [ "Should cardio equipment have a mat underneath it?", "Here are some reason people use or are suggested to use a mat underneath their treadmill, elliptical or exercise bike: The mat can provide an easy to clean surface and will also catch fluids and stop them from getting into the carpet. They can be very helpful for treadmills that are going to be placed on carpet. These mats will protect the carpet from wear and tear and it also stops the carpet fibers from getting into the motor compartment and slowly insulating the motor over-heating it. Especially for bikes and ellipticals mats would be very useful in catching sweat and water (or whatever you drink). Simply put, they help protect the carpet!" ], [ "Is it good to have a routine?", "People love routine. There's comfort in doing the same things and knowing exactly what to expect--no surprises, no fear, no thinking required. And sometimes, routine can be a very good thing.

But when it comes to your workout, doing the same moves day in and day out isn't doing much to help (or motivate) you. A lot of times we stick with a program because of that comfort zone. Maybe it's all you know how to do, maybe you're afraid of those odd contraptions, or (if you're like most people) maybe you don't understand the importance of variety when it comes to exercise. Whatever your reason, it's time to break out of that workout rut!

From this point on, consider the idea that your muscles are smart. When they do new things--whether dancing, martial arts, or strength training--they're a little shaky at first. But they learn quickly, mastering these new moves. They learn so well in fact, that they become more efficient at doing them and they don't have to work as hard (or burn as many calories, or respond with positive gains) to keep up with the program. This is why we suggest weight machines and cardio machines. It is even better to have multiple different cardio machines (like a treadmill and a bike or a bike and an elliptical). There are many ways to change up your workout routine." ], [ "What is the best way to build muscle?", "The simple answer is repetitions and sets. Overloading the muscle causes muscle fibers to break down. Your goal is to reach muscle failure in a safe way while keeping proper form. So you want to use a weight that allows for 12-15 reps for one set. Depending on the muscle bulk you're looking for, you may want to use a little lighter weights and do two sets.

Hypertrophy is the increase in size of a single muscle fiber due to the incorporation of other nuclei from satellite cells to stabilize and strengthen the muscle after trauma. In order to stimulate Hypertrophy it is important to cause this trauma within the muscle. This requires the cells to increase in size and strength to prevent future trauma. Causing the muscle to work under a progressive overload is essential for hypertrophy. The workload placed on the muscle can be increased in two ways. As the muscle adapts to the current workload, the amount of weight can be increased or the number of repetitions or sets can increase. The former is a good option, however, proper form must be the focus because heavy weights tend to cause a loss of form. The latter works until the repetitions reach 15, after that point it is believed that the 'slow-twitch type I' muscle fibers begin to take over. These fibers do not have the same propensity for size gains as the 'fast-twitch type II' fibers.

The best overload system for hypertrophy is a combination of the two increases. Increasing the repetitions with a weight until 12 can be performed in good form and then increasing the weight will cause muscular hypertrophy with a continuous overload on the muscles. The key to growth is increasing the workload as soon as the muscle adapts to the current workout. Keep the muscle under trauma during workouts and allow enough rest time for the body to cause muscle hypertrophy during repair.

Remember that nutrition, food and supplements can also play a role in achieving Hypertrophy. I recommend consulting with a doctor before starting any fitness program, especially an intensive bodybuilding program." ], [ "I have an inexpensive home gym and am thinking of upgrading to a modest Champion home gym. Do you have any recommendations?", "To achieve and maximize your fitness goals it is important to find the right piece of equipment that will fit your needs. If you are looking to create an environment that will help you with building muscle, I would recommend these pieces:

Hoist Home Gyms:
PTS ENS 1
PTS ENS 2
PTS ENS 3
HF-4985 Smith Machine
HF-4985 ENS

BodySolid Home Gyms:
Pro Power Rack
Series 7 Smith Gym
Smith Gym

This should give you many ideas to help you. If you narrow your selection down to two or three I would love to help you weigh out your options and continue to help you find the right home gym." ], [ "Parts for Champion Ellipticals and Exercise Bike", "This is for anyone looking to find parts for a Champion elliptical or other products. We at Champion Fitness USA are not the manufacturer of those products. We are a retailer of fitness products and sell the equipment; we do not currently make any of our own fitness equipment. The Champion equipment you are looking for was made by a company called Lamar Health, Fitness, and Sport who went bankrupt about threee years ago. They were bought by Star Trac Fitness who now holds all the parts and has updated the equipment with new colors and a new name, ST-Fitness. You can contact them at www.st-fitness.com they should be able to help you out with all your equipment needs pertaining to that equipment.

We at Champion Fitness USA.com would love to help you out if your unable to get help and need to find a new piece of equipment. We have everything you need and will take great care of you!

Just 'Ask Jeff'" ], [ "Landice treadmills and differences between them", "Landice is the oldest manufacturer of treadmills in the country. Landice has tried to make it easy for people to buy a very well built treadmill with a lifetime warranty. They have a treadmill system the is easy to use when building the perfect treadmill for yourself. Landice has created the L7 treadmill frame that is the standard treadmill that has been extraordinarily built. If you feel you need something bigger Landice has a fix for you- the L8 treadmill frame has a bigger belt. The L8 has a user wight that is 500lb verses the 400lb L7 frame.

All Landice Home Treadmill come with a lifetime warranty Bumper to Bumper. This treadmill has to be sold and delivered within a 60 mile radius of the dealer retail store to get the full lifetime warranty. Otherwise it must be verified that everything is checked out and the treadmill was sold through the proper dealer. The Lifetime warranty is on parts only, one year labor!

Landice also makes the LTD series treadmill which a commercial version of the home Treadmill. It is the same machine but comes with a 5 year part warranty and can be sold anywhere with no questions asked. You are still getting the same incredible treadmill, Landice will only warranty it for 5 years because it is made for commercial settings. If you have further questions about the how Landice works please 'Ask Jeff'." ], [ "Why would I buy a Landice treadmill?", "Here is some quick background information on Landice the company: Landice is the oldest treadmill manufacturer in the United States. Landice has been building treadmills for over 40 years and they have designed an incredible treadmill that lasts. If you are serious about your treadmill, this machine will not let you down. Landice was the first to come out with a Lifetime warranty bumper-to-bumper on all parts. No other manufacturer has ever come close to the Landice lifetime warranty.

They build their treadmills to a standard that leaves other treadmill always playing catch-up. The motor, lower board, upper board, belt and deck all work together so well, it's magical. This is the reason Landice put that lifetime warranty on their products. Landice has the time tested system that works. It has been field tested over 100,000 times in health clubs and other facilities all over the world.

So, why would I buy a Landice. The quality and longevity of this machine will satisfy my needs perfectly every time and for as long as I keep the machine in my home.

For more information on detailed specs please email or call me with questions." ], [ "Free Weights vs Home Gyms", "Fitness professional are always writing articles trying to answer this heated debate. Here is my answer: why not use both? They both have huge benefits that will help you achieve your fitness goals." ], [ "Change up your strength training routines to get better results", "Variety is the spice of life!

You have heard it before: to achieve results, you need to challenge your body in new ways. The human body adapts to routine, so to get stronger you need to train your muscles in different directions and with different weight loads. Try switching up the stale routine with these workouts recommended by the exercise experts at Champion Fitness USA and Life Fitness:

Squat/wood chop: This is a great exercise to incorporate both your lower and upper body. Use one of the cables on the Dual Adjustable Pulley machine and secure it high on the tower. Holding the handle with both hands and facing sideways, rotate your body away from the machine as you squat down and pull the cable across your body in a wood chopping motion. Return back to start position. Do two sets of 15 going in each direction.

Incline chest fly: Change up the usual chest press by playing around with performing them at different angles. By altering the angle of your bench and changing the movement of your arms, you'll wake up your pectoral muscles. Do three sets of 15.

Chest presses: Lay on a stability ball making sure the ball is supporting your upper back, shoulders and neck. A stability ball is a good alternative to a bench as it will force you to engage your abs while you perform the press. Do three sets of 15.

Walking lunges: To change up this old faithful, add bicep curls. Lunge across the room while holding hand weights and performing bicep curls. Be mindful of your form, keeping your front knee over your toes and your torso lifted. You can also try carrying a medicine ball while doing your walking lunges, and twist your torso with each repetition to get an added core workout. Try doing four sets of 10 lunges spanning across the room.

The Leg Extension machine: This is one of those machines that you may have abandoned for a while, but you may want to revisit it for strengthening your quads. This isolation exercise will help you focus on definition and strength in your thighs. Do three sets of 15." ], [ "Getting goal oriented", "What is the difference between a goal and a dream? A deadline. Dreams are great to have, but this time reframe your exercise dreams into reality by getting goal-oriented. Focus on what you want to accomplish and get specific about how you are going to get there. Here are some steps recommended by the experts at Life Fitness to get you started on achieving your fitness goals:

Prioritize: We are all inundated with obligations and responsibilities these days, but when you finally decide to put fitness at the top of your list, you will be on your way to achieving the goal of a healthier, more productive life.

Mark your calendar: Now that you've decided to make your health a priority, put it on your daily planner. Plan your workouts just like you plan your meetings, lunch dates and doctors appointments. If you write down an exact time and keep it like you would any other important appointment, you will be more likely to follow through and reach those goals.

Track your results: There is no better motivator than measuring your success and progress. By seeing how much you've accomplished, you will be more likely to keep going. The Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website (www.virtualtrainer.lifefitness.com) is a free source that allows you to upload your workout results so you can easily track and organize your success.

Set realistic goals: Keep in mind that 30 to 40 minutes of exercise each day is a great start to a healthy way of living. Many people embrace the 'all or nothing approach' to exercise and think they need to spend several hours at the gym in order to reach their goals. Many cardio machines offer specific programs to help you reach your goal. For example, the fat burning program offered on most treadmills might be a good option for if your goal is to slim down.

Lastly, don't forget the importance of setting both short-term goals for the days and weeks, and long-term goals for the months and years. It feels good to achieve small successes on the way to your long-term desires." ], [ "Interval training", "One of the best and most effective ways to shake up your current workout program and burn mega calories is to try interval training. A type of cardiovascular workout, interval training can supercharge your endurance, strengthen your heart and lungs, and help burn calories at a faster rate.

Try this 30-minute interval training workout provided by the exercise experts at Fitness Town and Life Fitness:

Spend at least the first three minutes on the treadmill at an easy warm-up pace, slowly working your way to a moderate pace. On a scale of one to 10, (one being a stand still, 10 being an all-out sprint) moderate pace means you are working at about a six. Next, add either speed or incline and work very hard for one minute - this will be a nine on the previous scale. Then take the treadmill back down to a moderate pace and spend three minutes recovering. Repeat six times and spend five minutes cooling down, working at about a two.

Keep in mind that you can repeat the interval as many times as you wish and remember to always end with active recovery. Don't just stop dead in your tracks - keep your feet moving and breathe deep to bring your heart rate to a comfortable zone. Of course, stretching at the end of a workout is always a good idea. " ], [ "Your recipe for workout success", "Too much of a good thing isn't always such a good thing. Your body needs a well-rounded exercise program to stay in optimal health. Here are some ingredients the experts at Fitness Town and Life Fitness recommend for workout success:

Cardio: Cardiovascular exercises increase your heart rate for a sustained period of time. This is a necessary part of being fit because it strengthens your heart muscle, which in turn helps you breathe easier and helps your heart beat more efficiently. But just like anything, your body gets used to your daily cardio routine. Next time you're at the gym, try using the interval training program on the treadmill or cross-trainer for an extra boost of heart-pumping intensity.

Strength: For first time strength trainers, adding weights to a workout routine can provide impressive results on your body and on the scale. But it takes regular updates to ensure your training routine keeps your muscles guessing. Circuit training is a great strength workout as it follows a series of strength and/or cardio exercises that offer a great way to work all the major muscle groups in a short amount of time. Many gyms offer specialty circuit classes, or have strength machines arranged in the same area making it easier to arrange your own circuit.

Flexibility: Flexibility is another key component to a well-rounded program and the part that most often gets overlooked. As your muscles get worked more often, they become tight, sore and sometimes leads to over-use injury. One way to prevent this from happening is by incorporating a good stretching routine. This will lengthen out those tight muscles and help stretch the connective tissue that surrounds them.

The Core: The core is the center of your body that holds you up and keeps you tall, much like the trunk on a tree. Strengthening your abdominals and back muscles will give you better posture, keep your body strong and tall, help you age more gracefully and help every movement you make easier. Try these balance props with free weights or a pulley-based system like the Life Fitness Dual-Adjustable Pulley and feel the difference. Example: sit on a stability ball while performing the shoulder press reps. While your arms push the resistance, your midsection muscles engage to remain balanced on the ball, toning your core.

Before you get overwhelmed... remember, it's not as hard as it seems. It's all about cross training. A little bit of each is really all you need." ], // Add More Questions Here... [ "", "" ] ];