Gear Guide: At-Home Pilates Systems - Fitness - Health.com

Our senior fitness editor tests the latest workout products?so you don't have to

By Su Reid St. John

Back before I had a kid, I used to take weekly Pilates classes at a local studio. While many of the moves bore passing resemblance to those we do in my yoga class, it was unabashedly a workout?a sweat-inducing, core-honing, fast-paced workout. I loved it (and so did my abs). But then my daughter came along and something had to give, so I said goodbye to Pilates, but I missed it!

So when I had the opportunity recently to test out two home Pilates systems, I was delighted! Here?s what I discovered:

Portable Pilates Studio by Empower Fitness
Pros: This deceptively simple system (it?s just a bar with a resistance cord and foot strap at each end) is easy to put together, and you can follow the workouts on the DVD or just go free-style, twisting, curling, and lifting in all sorts of directions. The DVD is versatile, offering three workouts (plus a bonus arms sequence) that you can mix and match. Instructor Gin Miller gives excellent direction, and while the routines are pretty simple, they?re still challenging.
Cons: The quick-reference poster only offers six exercises.
Cool extra: The moves are often shown in split screen, from two different angles?really helpful when it comes to getting just the right form.
Cost: $25 (a real bargain) at EmpowerFitness.com

CoreBody Reformer by Nautilus
Pros: Where do I start? I loved this! It?s sturdy and easy to assemble, and the end bar unscrews to store inside the body of the system (called the Roller) when you?re done. The cords have three levels of resistance, and you can switch from one to the other with, literally, the press of a button. I can?t say enough about the accompanying DVD?trainer Jennifer Galardi gives terrific, detailed instructions (she?s very likeable), and the workouts combine strength, cardio, balance, and lots of core work for a true full-body challenge. But don?t get me wrong?you don?t have to use the DVD. My daughter and I had a blast using it as a balance beam, then making up our own moves with the resistance cords. More good stuff: It also comes with a track-your-workouts poster, a collection of workout cards, and a washable cover.
Cons: There?s a carrying strap so you can schlep the Reformer around, but it?s pretty heavy, so you may not want to go far. Also, the two Stabilizers that hold the Roller in place don?t fit inside the unit for storage.
Cool extra: Use it like a foam roller for an awesome massage. You can either follow the ?Renew? part of the Stretch & Renew routine, or just do whatever feels good on your deserving muscles.
Cost: $249 (worth every penny) at CoreBodyReformer.com

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Source: http://fitness.health.com/2012/03/29/gear-guide-pilates-athome/

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Relocating in Mat-Su Valley AK? The Kristan Cole Team offers the ...

By cole | Published: March 28, 2012

Are you relocating in Mat-Su Valley Alaska?? If so, The Kristan Cole Team offers the use of their moving truck for free!? The Kristan Cole Team supports community involvement and are the go-to Realtors for Mat-Su Valley AK whether you are buying or selling residential or commercial property.? To use the Kristan Cole Team moving truck simply reserve the dates you will need it by filling out an online form with your contact information. ?It?s a popular vehicle, so be sure to reserve the dates you need right away!

The Kristan Cole Team is dedicated to making your move to a new home as smooth and worry-free as possible and that?s why you can find all the local information you need to get to know the area on their website; information includes local and state offices, schools and colleges, attractions, tours, rentals, parks and recreation, transportation, medical care, and accommodations.

Learn more about using the free moving truck or to reserve dates by clicking here.

Find local information for Wasilla, Palmer, and Girdwood by clicking here.

And for more information on buying or selling real estate in Mat-Su Valley AK, including Anchorage, Wasilla, and Palmer Alaska, contact The Kristan Cole Team today.

Contributed by Kristan Cole
Contact Me | (907) 373-3575 | www.KristanCole.com
Complimentary Wasilla Real Estate Search

Source: http://blog.kristancole.com/community/relocating-in-mat-su-valley-ak-the-kristan-cole-team-offers-the-info-you-need-and-use-of-their-moving-truck-for-free/

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Finding the Credible Debt Management Plan Service - Finance Site

Debt management plan might be the solution for our multiple debt problems. There are also so many professional services that we can find. However, we should remember that not all services are honest and professional. There are also so many thieves in disguise that ready to drown us to deeper problem. Remember, when we are working on our debt management plan with a company, we have to share our personal information, so we have to make sure that they company is a trustworthy company. To get the trustworthy company, make sure to get some references form people who managed to have a debt free life with the help of debt management plan company.

If we cannot find people who can give us references, then the solution is by choosing a company from the American Association of Debt Management Organizations. The organization members are specializing on debt management plan, credit counseling, financial industry and many others. Of course, we don?t have to doubt on the quality of the companies. We can take some candidates and learn further about the company to find out if it suits us. A similar way is by checking the BBB membership. BBB is the sign of quality, so companies that have BBB certification are definitely credible companies we can rely on.

One thing we have to consider when we are choosing a service for debt management plan is whether we want to choose the profit or non-profit service. Well, both of the service types are good. The clearest difference between profit and non-profit service is the tax payment. Profit service needs to pay taxes while non-profit is free form taxes. Good service will analyze our financial status carefully and they serve us some logical plans and expectations. Therefore, beware of services that serve us high promises even before they check our financial status. When it comes for you to find a good debt management solution to keep you sleep soundly at night, you can find one at MyDebtManagement.org. With countless number of clients they have, this should be a good proof of how great they are in the field. Take a peek to their official website and find out more information about their services as well as the pricing offered.

No related posts.

Source: http://www.prologstaffing.com/finding-the-credible-debt-management-plan-service.html

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Guaranteed Income Does Not Guarantee Retirement Success

I suspect in part as an outgrowth of the stock market meltdown of 2008-09, guaranteed income products (annuities) in 401(k) and other retirement plans are a major topic of discussion. The Treasury Department recently gave the go ahead for the use of annuities in retirement plans. As a practical matter the widespread use of these products is still a bit off into the future.

I?wrote an earlier post in this blog and one for US News about my thoughts and concerns surrounding annuities in retirement plans. A good idea in theory, the reality of the implementation concerns me.

Let me focus on one additional area of concern. While a guaranteed income product that the participant would purchase as part of their investment in the plan would provide a guaranteed lifetime income stream, there is no guarantee that this stream of income would be sufficient to guarantee the retirement lifestyle the participant seeks.

Said another way, the inclusion of a guaranteed income option in a retirement plan does not absolve the participant from determining how much they need to save for retirement and how they need to allocate their investments. Even the use of a Target Date Fund or a managed account option requires the participant to ensure that the fund manager is investing their money in a fashion that fits their retirement accumulation needs.

Besides concerns such as the fees tied to these options and the selection and monitoring of an insurance provider for these products, the prospect of these products providing retirement plan participants with a false sense of security in terms of their retirement readiness concerns me greatly. A guaranteed income option might be a good tool for a retirement plan participant, but it is in no way a substitute for good old fashioned financial planning. At the end of the day, participants still need to accumulate a sufficient amount in their retirement plan accounts in order to be able to generate a meaningful monthly income stream if they choose to go the annuity route.

Need help with your retirement plan allocation or your overall retirement and financial planning? Please feel free to contact me.

Retirement plan sponsors do you want to provide your participants with access to one-on-one investment and retirement planning advice? Please contact us for assistance.

Source: http://wohlnerfinancial.blogspot.com/2012/03/guaranteed-income-does-not-guarantee.html

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Staging Diva Shares 5 Top Tips To Get Your House Ready To Sell ...

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GUEST POST BY DEBRA GOULD, THE STAGING DIVA?

Home stagers can make a number of small changes to a property that can dramatically shorten the time it spends on the real estate market while also increasing the final sales price. Home staging expert Debra Gould, also known as?The Staging Diva, shares 5 top tips for getting a house ready to sell:

1. Make sure that showing appointment isn?t just a drive-by

Just because there?s a showing booked on your home doesn?t mean the potential buyer will actually go inside. Imagine you?re a home buyer and your real estate agent has 10 houses to show you today. When you drive up to what could be your dream home, you see a broken railing and children?s toys strewn across a weed-filled lawn. You don?t have any time to waste, so you?re probably going to say, ?Let?s move on,? skipping the showing appointment entirely.

Curb appeal not only attracts potential buyers who happen to be driving by, it also helps draw prospective buyers into your home once they already have a showing appointment booked with their agent. When a property looks unkempt, it scares off potential buyers (unless they?re looking for a tear-down at a rock bottom price). To enhance curb appeal:

??? ?Cut the lawn and ensure fallen leaves and weeds are removed. Keep walkways and driveways freshly swept.

??? ?Add planted urns or hanging plants to the entrance area.

??? ?Repair or replace any obvious defects to the front door/hardware, mailboxes, railings, address sign or lights.

??? ?Move garbage and recycling containers from the front of the house or tuck them neatly in a garage or shed.

??? ?Pressure wash the exterior and decks. If necessary touch-up up paint.

2. Stash your keepsakes and keep your home clutter-free

De-cluttering is essential, especially when you remember that many people move because they feel too crowded in their current homes. Your treasured collection of decorative plates, figurines or stuffed animals will look like clutter to most potential buyers. ?Tackle one area at a time so de-cluttering isn?t so overwhelming.

You?ll probably have to go through each closet more than once to get its contents down to the absolute essentials, but it?s worth the effort. Try setting a timer for 60 minutes and it will no longer seem like an endless task. Consider that any time you spend now on this task will make packing and moving that much easier.

Rent a storage locker so you can keep your beloved items while you?re selling the house, and then have them delivered to your new address after your move.

3. Avoid scaring buyers away with a To Do list

You don?t want potential buyers focusing on one flaw after another during a showing.?No one wants a list of projects or problems to deal with when they?re buying a home.?You want them to fall in love with your home and imagine themselves living there not thinking about how much less they should offer you because of everything they?ll have to do.

Try to be very objective and do a walk through to spot problems. You might want to ask a highly critical friend or relative to do this for you because when you live somewhere too long you become blind to the problems.

Look for chipped paint on the door frames or scuffs on walls that need touch ups. Glue down any peeling wallpaper.

Ensure all electrical outlets and light switches have un-cracked covers. Repair or replace broken tiles, dripping taps and moldy caulking. These little things make a big difference in the buyer?s mind!

4. Color is your friend when it?s time to sell a house

White walls often look cold and sterile, unless you warm the room up with accent colors and patterns. If you have to repaint a home?s interior or some rooms in a home, choose a pleasing color palette that allows each room to flow nicely into the next. All colors should go together.

Try to repeat one signature color throughout a home. A feature color in one room can be repeated as an accent in the others, through vases, artwork, throws or decorative pillows.

Bring life to a neutral decor with cut flowers or a potted orchid for example.

5. Make a big impact with a little art

By strategically using art, you can enhance a home?s perceived value, draw the eye away from tiny flaws, give an otherwise uninteresting space a focal point and replace personal memorabilia.

Don?t just hang something on the wall where an old picture hook happens to be. Position art so that the center is 60? up from the floor. Make sure the size of the piece is appropriate to the size of the wall. Art with a large frame on a small wall can make the entire area seem smaller. Avoid religious art or anything edgy that might offend potential buyers.

These are just a few of the many things that can be done to improve your home?s appearance and to make it more appealing to home buyers. While the steps can be time consuming, the results are worth it.

A?professional home stager?makes the job much easier and can give you the specific steps you should take on your own. Stagers bring total objectivity and a creative eye to the process of decorating your house to sell. This increases your chance of selling your property faster and for more money.

*Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is President of Voice of Possibility Group Inc. which operates?Six Elements Home Staging?and the?Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. An entrepreneur for almost 25 years and author of several guides, Debra has staged millions of dollars worth of real estate and trained over 7,000 home stagers worldwide. Visit?StagingDiva.com?for additional tips or to find a home stager in your area.

*Living room staged by Staging Diva Graduate Red Barrinuevo,?Redesign4more Home Staging & Design Solutions.

Source: http://hamptonandrobbins.mainerealestatesolutions.com/2012/03/staging-diva-shares-5-top-tips-to-get-your-house-ready-to-sell-fast/

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The Denver Zoo's Poo-Powered Rickshaw [Monster Machines]

What is a zoo to do with its excess panda poo? Denver's answer is to compress it into pucks and feed them to a syngas-powered hybrid-electric Tuk Tuk. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/ofEi6KQfyNw/

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AT&T Labs, Carnegie Mellon research haptic-feedback steering wheel for turn-by-turn directions

A force-feedback steering wheel. It's quite literally the stuff of racing games, and AT&T labs, along with Carnegie Mellon, is researching the possibly of throwing similar tech into your real-world whip. MIT's Technology Review recently highlighted the project, which uses 20 vibrating actuators shoved inside of a steering wheel to create a variety of patterns -- a counter-clockwise sequence could indicate a left turn, for example. As you might have guessed, one of the goals is to keep drivers less distracted by the likes of visual turn-by-turn GPS navigators and more focused on the road. While it's currently being tested with driving simulators, the results are positive so far, if a bit modest. When supplemented with typical audio / visual navigation, folks near the age of 25 kept their eyes planted on the asphalt for 3.1 percent more time than without it. Notably, the improvement wasn't found with those over 65 in the aforementioned instance, however, supplemented with just the audio, the vibrating wheel had them focusing on the road by an increase of four percent.

According to Technology Review, this isn't the first time haptic feedback has been tested as a driving aid, although past tests have, notably, resulted in "fewer turn errors" by those behind the wheel. Best of all, the tech is capable of sending more than just navigation cues -- it could certainly be useful in a Telsa. So when can you expect to find a force-feedback steering wheel in your ride? Technology Review cites Kevin Li, an AT&T Labs researcher on the project, who says the main hurdle is making something that people will just "get," and that it's still "years" away from becoming a possibility. While there's no photos of the setup just yet, a full report on the research will get released in June. Hey, there's always Forza and Gran Turismo, at least for now -- right?

AT&T Labs, Carnegie Mellon research haptic-feedback steering wheel for turn-by-turn directions originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/dUQKN9TGtEo/

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