http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/should-you-buy-the-weslo-cadence-c44-treadmill.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/should-you-buy-the-weslo-cadence-c44-treadmill.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
The Weslo Cadence C44 Treadmill is one of the mid-price Weslo machine and retails for around $400. Weslo claims that it comes with ' a great cardio workout with weight-loss benefits'. It is also supposed to be able to cope, not just with walkers, but those who want to run.

The motor on the Cadence C44 treadmill is a 2.25 THP horsepower motor with a 1.3 CHP Impulse Drive System. But what does THP actually mean? It means peak horse power (or total) but is a useless measurement of power for treadmills. The 'real' horsepower rating of the Weslo Cadence C44 is going to be somewhere between 1 and 1.25 horsepower. The size of the motor is tiny; my coffee mug is bigger.

Although Weslo claim the C44 has a maximum user capacity of 250 lbs it is probably more likely to be about 200 lbs, or less. In fact, when using the maximum inclination of 9%, the maximum weight that it can handle will drop further to around 150 lbs, absolute maximum.

It's also claimed that the motor can achieve a speed of 10 mph. No way is this motor going to carry a stated max. weight of 250lbs, at a max. incline of 9% at 10 mph. At least there's no chance of the user dying of heart failure during a workout; the machine will have keeled over long before.

And what kind of warranty do you get with the Weslo Cadence C44 Treadmill? You get a lousy 1-year warranty on the motor, that's what. Just about every quality treadmill comes with a 5 or 10 year warranty on the motor. The poor warranty really does highlight the faith that the manufacturer has in its product.

With any kind of decent usage the motor is more than likely to give up the ghost. I have no idea as to the cost of repairing and replacing the motor on this Weslo treadmill would be, but I suspect it won't be cheap.

The most important component of any treadmill is the motor; whatever model you buy, make sure the motor is up to the job.

Should you buy a Weslo Cadence C44? Personally, I would keep my $400 and go for long walks instead. But, if you really are looking to buy a cheap treadmill and like the idea of buying a Weslo, you should remember these points before you buy the C44 Cadence; you should walk, never run; you should weigh a maximum of 150 lbs; and you should use it occasionally; and you should only use it for short periods of time.

Perhaps my review of the C44 has seemed a little harsh, but $400 is still a lot of money. I don't want to see anyone waste it on something that isn't going to deliver any benefits. My overall rating of this Weslo treadmill is 0 out of 5.


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Follow the links for the Weslo Treadmill plus treadmill reviews on major brands like the Bowflex Treadmill

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/pros-and-cons-of-buying-a-used-stair-lift.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/pros-and-cons-of-buying-a-used-stair-lift.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
If you require a curved model then you must buy a used stair lift from a reputable supplier. You should make sure that you will be getting a brand new rail; some dealers re-manufacture old pieces of rail to try and get them to fit a new stair case. This is not a safe practice. A re-manufactured rail or reconditioned rail will not conform to International Safety Standards.

Advantages of a Used Stair Lift

Prices are very much lower than new machines. You can expect to save anything between 400 to 2,000 dollars.

Machines from leading brands like Acorn, Stannah and Ameriglide are built to last. So, buying one from such a company is a good deal. In fact, machines from leading manufacturers do not tend to have more problems than new ones.

Disadvantages of a Used Stair Lift

They tend to require more servicing so this will be an added recurring cost.

Many manufacturers discontinue making spare parts for older models. The production lifespan of most chair lifts is about 10 years, therefore installing any used machine older than this may give you problems when trying to source spares.

The warranty of a used chair lift will not be as good, or for as long a period, as a new one.

The lift may become obsolete and a local dealer may be unable to support that particular used machine.

The second hand unit may not match your exact needs and may not have any options that are now standard on new models; items like safety belts, remote controls, motorized swivel chair etc.

You may not know the history of the used chair. Did the previous owner buy it new? Where did they buy it? Did they have any problems with it?

When buying a used one you will not have as wide a choice as when buying a new one. You may have to make compromises when you buy a second hand unit.

The angle of the stairs must also be taken into account when moving used stairlifts from one location to another. The seat must be level on the rail. This is adjustable on all lifts but within certain limitations.

Buying a used chair lift can be a great option. You can easily buy them from leading brands like Stannah, Bruno and Summit Stair Lifts.

However, unless you're very good at DIY you are best advised to buy a reconditioned machine from a reputable dealer. Not only can they advise you on what model is best for you, they will install it and provide after sales care.


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Follow the links for used stair lifts and get stair lift prices on leading brands like Summit stair lifts.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/product-reviews/is-the-paul-mitchell-flat-iron-any-good.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/product-reviews/is-the-paul-mitchell-flat-iron-any-good.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Paul Mitchell is a company that was founded over 20 years ago by two hair stylists. Today, it's one of the most well known companies in the hair business, selling everything from shampoo, to conditioner, hair treatments, hair dryers and hair straighteners.

If there's one thing that you can say about the company is that it wants to be seen as a supplier of premium products; you won't find its products being sold through mass distributors. Instead, its products are sold through authorized retailers who specialize in hair care.

The Paul Mitchell flat iron is at the top end of the market. Depending on the model, you can expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $170. They are marketed as being 'professional' styling tools and are used by stylists.

But how do they compare and are they worth the money?

Let's take a look at one of the mid-range models, the Paul Mitchell 'Smoothing Iron' Professional Ceramic Flat Iron 1 3/8". It retails for around $140 most places.

The iron looks nice with a satin black plastic exterior and lime green ceramic plates. The satin finish is nice as most other brands have a glossy finish but it also makes using it easier as it's non-slip.

The plates are 100% solid ceramic. Ceramic plates naturally emit negative ions that seal hair cuticles and lock in moisture thereby helping to make hair look shinier and prevent heat damage. No matter what brand you buy make sure the ceramic plates are 100% ceramic and not just coated with ceramic. You won't get as many negative ions, your hair will not look as good and the plates will chip over time which will then snag your hair.

The straightener has five temperature settings - ranging from 170 to 400 degrees and the plates will reach maximum heat in only 9 seconds.

Using it is easy and it really does straighten hair with just one pass. Compared to other, cheaper brands it works like a charm and will leave hair with that 'salon look'.

Many people often compare a Paul Mitchell flat iron to that of a CHI, saying they prefer the Paul Mitchell or the CHI. Well, here's a thing; both irons are made by Farouk. So saying one is better than the other really makes no sense. The CHI flat iron has the same build quality and even looks similar. The irons only have cosmetic differences but the guts are the same.

So, if you were thinking of buying a Paul Mitchell flat iron you should also take a look at a CHI, and vice versa. Not to compare functionality but to compare price. My advice would be to buy the cheaper of the two.


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Follow the links for the Paul Mitchell flat iron and also the CHI flat iron and decide for your self which is the best flat iron.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/human-touch-massage-chair-reviews.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/human-touch-massage-chair-reviews.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Interactive Health owns the brand name for both Human Touch and iJoy massage chairs. The company is American but all chairs are made in China. They all share a number of characteristics such as rotating calf and foot massagers and share a similar look (apart from the HT-1650). However, as the price increases, the more features and technology you get.

The following chairs are grouped with the main differences between each model in the group being explained.

The HT 100, HT 102 and HT 103

The retail price for each of these chairs is around $1,500. The upholstery is leather match vinyl with both the HT100 and HT102 being available in either Black or Bone and with the HT103 available in Cashew or Black - the armrests of the HT 103 come in oak. The HT 100 is smaller than the other two and has a vertical range of 20" compared to 25.5" of the other two chairs. Apart from these differences all the chairs are the same thing. You get the following massage functions: Rolling, Kneading, Compression and Percussion. These are the basic models so you only get Full and Spot range control. The have power recline, 1 massage program and 2 speeds for the foot and calf massager - you have to manually move it to do either one.

The chairs are good but they aren’t as good as the Fujikura 1000 massage chair that retails for less at around $1,200. The foot and calf massager is better on this chair and does both calf and foot at the same time. It also has two additional massage modes of Chop Action and Flapping.

My advice would be to pay more consideration in buying the Fujikura than the HT 100, HT 102 or HT 103.

The HT 125, HT 135, HT 136 and HT 140

The retail price of these chairs is around $2,300, $2,400, $2,400 and $2,800 resp. Apart from price, styling and chair size there is really no difference at all between them. The HT 125 is the smallest with the HT 140 being the largest. The HT 136 and HT 140 come with solid oak armrests. The massage functions available are: Rolling (1 speed), Kneading, Compression and Percussion (all with 2 speeds). The massage range control is Full, Upper, Lower and Manual Position. They come with Spot and Partial Range massage. There are a variety of colors and they all come upholstered in leather with match leather vinyl. Why, the HT140 should cost $400 more is anyone's guess, so unless you're really keen on its design, the other models offer better value for money.

Again, I feel the Fujikura 1000 chair can just about match any of these chairs in terms of design and features and it costs a lot less.

The HT 275 and HT 7120

They retail for around $2,000 and $2,600 resp. They offer pretty much the same functions, the main difference being that the HT7120 is upholstered in real leather as apposed to match leather vinyl, which would also explain the difference in price. Personally, I wouldn't buy a chair that was upholstered in real leather; it just doesn't wear as well which is why top manufacturers like Inada never upholster their chairs in anything but synthetic leather.

The best features of the chairs are the lumbar heat and the full body stretch massage; the chair locks your ankles, then reclines you all the back while giving you a massage in the lower back; very nice.

The HT 1650

Looks more like an arm chair than robotic massage chair and will definitely appeal to those who dislike the 'dentist chair' appearance of most massage chairs. It retails for around $4,600. It has a fully retractable foot and calf massager - it's a pretty good massager too with 2 programs and 3 settings. The chair also incorporates the latest wizardry in acupressure detection sensors to accurately deliver the best type of shiatsu massage.

It's a bit pricey for my liking; you can buy a chair like the Inada i.2 Massage Chair for a lot less and I think it's a better chair. But, the HT 1650 does look very nice and delivers the goods in terms of giving you a good, relaxing or invigorating massage.

The HT 7450

I'm not too sure why anyone would buy this chair. It retails for an astonishing $4,000 and its biggest claim to fame seems to be is antigravity position. It does have very appealing styling and is one of the most stylish on the market but, do your self a favor and consider the Inada i.2 chair instead.


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Follow the links for the Human Touch massage chair or another robotic massage chair like the Fujikura, iJoy and Inada massage chair.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/how-to-choose-the-right-designer-prom-dress.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/how-to-choose-the-right-designer-prom-dress.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Buying a designer prom dress is the right decision. Each fashion house employs leading designers whose sole purpose is to design unique, gorgeous and classic prom gowns. It's their full-time job and they believe a woman who wears one of their creations is not only going to look fantastic, but will feel unique, as though the dress was especially made for her.

However, each fashion house offers styles that differ from other fashion houses, so a woman needs to be aware of their particular designs and, more importantly, what style of gown she will be her best in.

If romantic, classic lines are preferred then a Tiffany prom dress might just be the answer. Tiffany creates exquisite traditional gowns that have been adored by women for decades. Many feel that a traditional formal gown is what shows off a girl to her best. Strapless or halter neck bodices with fine detailing to accentuate a woman's shoulders and bust-line; and generous tulle or pick up skirt will enhance any girl's figure, be it petite or voluptuous. As you would expect, Tiffany prom dresses use beautiful fabrics in pastel shades or traditional vibrant colors; patterning is kept to a minimum so that the fabrics shine through.

Mori Lee prom dresses are also favored by women who want that 'princess' look. However, this fashion house also makes more contemporary gowns as well. The collection is called Paparazzi, and like the more traditional styles on offer from Mori Lee, the skirts are still full length but they are more figure-hugging with some designs featuring a split. The colors used are also more vibrant - no off whites here.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Xcite prom dress collection. These designs are for women who want that modern, sexy and forthright look. The gowns are far more risqué than their traditional counterparts; they're figure hugging and styled to expose more with daring plunge lines and high skirt slits. Some might argue that Xcite dresses are more appropriate for a Hollywood party than Prom Night, but these frocks have been designed for today's confident young women who are used to wearing clothing that exposes mid-riff and open work blouses strung together with sequins and lace.

For those who want something that is the ultimate in style and sophistication the Jovani prom dress should be the first port of call. These gowns really do have class. The Jovani Prom and Jovani Beyond Prom collections offer some of the most beautiful, sexy, stylish, well-made frocks there are, but each piece exudes pure class. There are more traditional styles as well as more contemporary ones featuring short skirts, low neck lines, lace bodices and tassels.

The Jessica McClintock prom dress has been a favorite for decades and deservedly so. The collection is wide ranging and a woman can choose from traditional to very modern. But no matter what style it is, there is one predominant theme: romance.

Choosing the best designer prom dress is made much easier if you have some idea of what style you want. But if you can't make up your mind then you should start by looking at a fashion house that offers many different styles like Jovani or Jessica McClintock. Better still, go to a boutique that stocks their gowns and try them on and get advice from the fashion advisor working there. Your Prom Night is important so take your time and choose one that makes you feel glamorous and confident from the moment you put it on.


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Follow the links for designer prom dresses like the Jovani prom dress and the Mori Lee prom dress as well as many others.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/considering-a-hud-reverse-mortgage-some-questions-you-should-ask-yourself-before-deciding.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/mortgage/considering-a-hud-reverse-mortgage-some-questions-you-should-ask-yourself-before-deciding.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
In summary, a HUD reverse mortgage is federally insured. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the borrower must make monthly repayments to pay back a loan, the lender gives the borrower money. In return the lender puts a lien on the property. With a traditional mortgage the borrower risks losing their home if they fail to keep up the monthly repayments. With a HECM, they are no monthly repayments so the borrower has no fears about losing their home. AS the borrower withdraws money, the equity in the home diminishes, however, the loan is FHA insured so that the borrower is guaranteed to receive the payments promised if the equity proves insufficient to cover the loan or the lender goes out of business.

The title deeds of the home stay with the borrower and never with the lender; another important difference between the two types of mortgage.

The loan is not payable until the property is no longer the borrower's principal residence, the borrower sells it, or dies. The borrower can remain living in their home for the rest of their lives receiving payments.

To be eligible, the homeowner must be 62 or older, have no mortgage (or a small amount remaining) and there are also certain restrictions on the type of home that qualifies. The borrower does not need to provide proof of income (because there are no monthly repayments) and does not need to have a health check.

Generally, the more valuable your home and the older you are, the more you can borrow.

This sounds great, and for many seniors it's a great way to supplement their retirement funds. However, there are some drawbacks. Firstly, the longer the borrower lives, the less equity will be left in the property; heirs may find that when they come to sell the property, there is little or no equity left.

Also, interest rates can rise and this increases the amount of the interest charged and this can also diminish the amount of equity in the property. There is currently one program that does offer a fixed rate.

So, before deciding on whether a HUD reverse mortgage is right for you, you should ask yourself these questions.

Would a better option be to downsize?

This can release more capital than a HECM and gives the borrower the flexibility of being able to relocate to where ever and whenever they want.

Do you plan to live in your home for the rest of your life?

A HECM really only makes sense for those who plan on staying put. The cost of closing down this type of loan can be expensive.

Could you raise the extra money through other means?

If you require money for a short-term objective, you may be better advised to opt for a home equity loan and then repay pay it over a short period of time. A HECM is more suited for those who want a regular monthly payment over the long term or a large, one-off lump sum.

How much will you get?

You can use one of the many online reverse mortgage calculators. Both AARP and Financial Freedom website provide one that is easy to use and simple to understand.

Do you need the loan now?

Remember, the older you are, the more you can borrow. So, if you don't require the money now, you're better off waiting.

There's now doubt that a HUD reverse mortgage can improve the quality of one's retirement years; you just need to be certain that this type of loan is your best option.


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The above is a brief overview; follow the links for more detailed advice on the HUD reverse mortgage and more reverse mortgage information to help you find the best reverse mortgage loan.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/product-reviews/a-review-of-the-breitling-navitimer-watch.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/product-reviews/a-review-of-the-breitling-navitimer-watch.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Breitling have had a long historical association with the air industry, both military and civilian. When Breitling was first established its main business concern was making precise counters for both scientific and industrial use. Its specialized knowledge of making precision timepieces made it a watchmaker that would be in demand from the then, fledging aviation industry. The relationship between aviation and Breitling watches was officially established when, in 1936, the British Royal Air Force issued Breitling watches to its aircrews.

The Breitling Navitimer is now over 50 years old and is an iconic timepiece. Its design and functionality have changed remarkably little over the years. This chronograph watch can be used to calculate air speed, fuel consumption, rates of descent and the conversion of standard miles into nautical miles amongst other things - all by using the circular slide rule found on the side of the bezel.

The legendary Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute is still manufactured today and is almost identical in terms of movement and styling as it was when it was first made in 1963 for the American astronaut Lt Cmdr Scott Carpenter. He wanted a Navitimer but, because one couldn't tell if it was day or night in space, he wanted a 24 hour version. Incidentally, this was the first Breitling (and perhaps only model) that went into Space.

Each Breitling Cosmonaute watch has a self winding, mechanical movement with a power reserve of 42 hours (approx.) There are a total of 38 jewels running at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The chronograph function has 1/5 second, 30 minutes, 12 hours and fly-back. The case diameter is a minimum 41.5mm and is available in steel, two-tone (steel and gold), 18k gold or rose gold. The crystal is cambered sapphire that is anti-reflective on both sides.

Other, current Navitimer models include the original Navitimer, Navitimer World, Montbrillant, Montbrillant Olympus, Montbrillant Datora and Chrono-Matic.

The World is the largest in the Navitimer collection (case diameter of 46mm), being 10% larger than the original. It consists of 25 jewels and a 2 time-zone, self-winding mechanical movement. The case is available in steel, 18k gold or red gold.

The Navitimer Montbrillant collection owes its name from the original location of the Breitling watch factory. It was on this site that the 'return-to-zero' movement and the circular slide-rule were first designed and manufactured. To commemorate, these watches are little more ornate; hands and hour markers are embellished in gold.

The Chrono-Matic Breitling watch was first developed in 1969 - Breitling created the Caliber II, the World's for self-winding chronograph movement. The watch was easily distinguishable by the placement of the crown on the left-hand-side of the casing. These watches still place the crown of the left-side. The movement has 38 jewels and each watch has a case diameter of 44mm which is available in either steel or 18k gold.

While modern technology has done away with the need for mechanical aviation watches there are those who still appreciate the sophisticated movements of these watches but for those that do, the Navitimer watch from Breitling will definitely appeal.


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Follow the links for Breitling watches and read wrist watch reviews on other Swiss watches like Oris, Patek Philippe and Panerai watches.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/alternative/should-you-buy-a-robotic-massage-chair.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/alternative/should-you-buy-a-robotic-massage-chair.html Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
You can buy a decent massage chair for as little as $300. However, when you buy at this price you should expect it to have certain limitations in its therapeutic benefits. What I mean is that you won't get a shiatsu massage chair at this price - I'll explain shiatsu in a moment. But you can buy a chair that will offer a vibration massage and will fully recline to put you into what's called an antigravity position. All this means is that when fully reclined your feet will be slightly higher than your heart. This position improves circulation and many find it a very relaxing position to be in. The HoMedics AntiGravity massage recliner is a stylish recliner and can really help to relieve stress and ease tiredness.

Shiatsu is an ancient holistic massage used in Japan. Shiatsu is derived from two words; "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger pressure". It is applied using fingers, thumbs and palms in a continuous rhythmic motion. The pressure is applied to specific areas of the body. These pressure points are called Meridians and the applied pressure is believed to improve the flow of energy and thus reduce or eliminate many ailments.

The supporters of shiatsu believe it can alleviate or even get rid of certain conditions such as back pain, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, constipation, digestions and much more.

Many of today's chairs now incorporate rollers and motors in the back to replicate shiatsu massage. As you might expect, the more you pay the better the shiatsu massage. You can spend as little as around $600 for a chair - the iJoy Massage Chair is a very popular series that are cheap and contemporarily styled. However, if you're serious about massage you should be thinking of spending upwards of $1,500 on a shiatsu robotic massage chair.

It's well known that the best shiatsu chairs are those designed by Japanese companies. Brands such as Sanyo, Fuji, Fujikura and Inada are synonymous with technical innovation. The Inada ROBOSTIC is possibly the most advanced massage chair ever made and retails for around $7,000.

Although the price of a good shiatsu robotic massage chair may seem expensive - the average price is around $3,500 - it should be remembered that visiting a professional therapeutic masseuse will cost around $100, so just 35 visits would cost the same as one the best massage chairs. And, you can use your chair as many times as you like during the day, everyday, at times that are convenient to you and in the comfort of your own home.

If you are unsure as to whether a robotic massage chair is right for you, I would strongly recommend that you actually try one out. Once, you've had a session on one, I guarantee you'll want to take it home with you.


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Follow the links for a robotic massage chair like the iJoy massage chair as well as others like the Fujikura, OSIM, Inada and HoMedics massage chair.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/food/cooking/the-cuisinart-cbk-200-bread-machine--is-it-any-good.html http://www.articletrader.com/food/cooking/the-cuisinart-cbk-200-bread-machine--is-it-any-good.html Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The Cuisinart CBK-200 Bread Maker is a convection cooking machine and can make 1, 1.5, or 2 lb loaves of bread and features 16 main cycles: white, rapid white, whole wheat, rapid whole wheat, French/Italian, rapid French/Italian, quick bread/cake, low-carb, gluten free, dough/pizza dough, artisan dough, sweet breads, rapid sweet breads, jam, last minute loaf, bake only. You can further modify these cycles, giving a total of 101 overall, so it's quite a versatile bread machine.

The convection fan is one of its main plus points. It's a little noisy but it really does produce crispier, more evenly browned crusts. The convection fan is optional, so you don't have to use it. This is perhaps the best feature of the Cuisinart bread machine, but if you do use it you should not leave the bread in the pan after it's been baked as the steam released from the cooked loaf will soften the crust, which rather defeats the purpose of the convection fan feature. Also, you need to be careful about how much flour you put it. Use only the correct amount as specified in the recipe; if you put in too much, the fan has a tendency to 'blow out' some of the flour from the pan on to element, which results in a burnt flour smell during baking.

Another plus point is the carb, gluten free, and artisan breads that you can bake with the Cuisinart CBK200. The Artisan cycle is especially nice; the bread machine takes basic dough through several long, slow cool rises for meatier textures and rustic crusts.

Another great plus point also happens to be a negative one. The appliance has an audible sound to tell you when you can remove the mixing paddle before baking begins. This is great as removing the paddle means you don't have to dig out the paddle after baking, leaving a hole in the bottom of the loaf. But, the audible alarm is loud. This usually isn't a problem, but if you're planning on using the 12 hour delay overnight, so you wake up to freshly baked bread, you're going to be woken up by the rather loud alarm just after you've gotten off to sleep!

You can't turn it off either! While you can turn off the audible signal that tells you when you can add extra ingredients, you can't with the signal to let you know when you can remove the paddle: a small, but rather annoying, oversight with the design of the Cuisinart breadmaker. If you do remove the paddle, here's a tip: after removing the paddle, but before returning the dough, give the little shaft a thin coating of vegetable oil - this makes it much easier to take out the loaf once it has been baked.

A major negative of the Cuisinart CBK-200 bread machine is its overall exterior design. You may or may not like its 'retro' look with brushed stainless steel casing and black-trimmed lid, that's not the issue. What does matter is that the design of the top of the bread maker features corrugated sides and a black trim. Baking bread can be messy; even if you're meticulously tidy you're going to get flour around the surface of the lid. Cleaning this machine is far more difficult than it should be and you're going to be spending more time than you would like cleaning it. Giving a machine a 'trendy' look is okay provided it doesn't make using it less easy; style over functionality is to the detriment of the Cuisinart bread maker.

Another consideration before you buy is that this bread machine only comes with a power outage backup feature of only 15 minutes - the Breadman Ultimate bread machine comes with a 60 minute power failure backup.

Despite these shortcomings the Cuisinart CBK-200 bread machine is a good quality kitchen appliance and will suit both beginners and experienced bakers. It also comes with an excellent, spiral bound recipe book.


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Follow the links for the Cuisinart bread machine and bread machine reviews on leading models like the Oster, Zojirushi and Breadman bread machine.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/upright-vs-recumbent-exercise-bike.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/fitness/upright-vs-recumbent-exercise-bike.html Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Both types of bike have their negative and positive points. As the recumbent bike is a relative newcomer that's proved to be quite popular, let's take a look at it first.

Advantages of a recumbent exercise bike

Comfort is without doubt its biggest selling point. Many complain of being saddle sore when using a traditional upright; no matter how padded the seat is, after any length of time your rear end gets a little sore. However, with a recumbent, you sit in a chair - not on a seat - and this eliminates a sore bottom.

People with lower back problems find the support offered when sitting in a seat in a reclined position enables them to cycle for longer, than they would do on an upright, thus getting a better workout. People who are overweight also find it more comfortable to recline in a chair rather than sit on a seat.

Cycling in a reclined position works the gluteal muscles more than cycling upright. If you're looking to improve the shape of your butt, the recumbent is the way to go.

Sore or numb wrists and fingers are a thing of the past as you hands no longer support the weight of your upper body.

The recumbent exercise bike is also more ergonomic. This means that breathing is improved as abdominal muscles relax, which in turn leads to a better cardiovascular workout.

Disadvantages of a recumbent bike

Unlike an upright, your movement is restricted. And, many fitness experts believe that the reclined position encourages a slower, less intense workout.

Advantages of an upright bike

Your movement is not restricted so you can choose to either sit down or stand up as you pedal. This means that you can exercise different areas of muscle. Many models also come with handle bars that allow the rider to either cycle in a sitting up position or in a more competitive, racing position.

Uprights take up less space and generally cost less because there are fewer parts to the frame. This means that for the same money you generally get a better bike with an upright model.

Most fitness experts tend to agree that you get a more physical and intense workout on an upright.

Disadvantages of an upright bike

These have already been listed in the advantages of a recumbent bike section.

In conclusion, upright bikes are more suited to those who are already in shape and want workouts that will keep them that way or take them to the next level. A recumbent exercise bike is best suited for those who've never exercised before, who have back problems, overweight, or have mobility problems. But whichever model you think is best for you, you should give both types a try out before you buy.


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Follow the links for more detailed recumbent exercise bike reviews on models like the Schwinn exercise bike, the Lifecycle exercise bike and many more.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>