Fitness Equipment at Home: Justifying the Cost {#SmoothBlogger}

When people ask me about writing a Smooth Fitness review, they tend to have many of the same questions and comments.

Is it easy to use?

That must be nice to have it right there in your house.

How did they get it up the stairs?

And, one of the most practical, That's not a purchase that I could afford.

While yes, it does seem like a large purchase (the Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer that I have has a retail price of $3599, but sells on Smooth Fitness for $1799... and is on sale now for $1599!), breaking down the cost can show how having your own fitness equipment at home may end up being actually quite sensible.

After looking around online, I've found that the average gym membership costs between $40 and $50 a month, but when you add the initiation fee, the price may be as much as $800 a year. I also found that the consensus is that people who buy annual gym memberships often overestimate how much they'll actually use the facilities by 70%.

Seems like a waste of that $800, doesn't it?

On top of the actual membership fees, you have add in the gas spent driving to the gym, the cost of new workout clothes and shoes (because, let's face it, you can't show up at the gym in your sweats), and more.

I'm not the only one who feels like there's a beauty competition going on in the gym, am I?

In the end, in less than two years you will have spent more money than if you had bought the Smooth CE 8.0LC from Smooth Fitness and had it in right in your home the entire time!

Not to mention the extreme convenience of being able to roll right out of bed and start exercising or fit in a quick workout before going to sleep at night. No need to do your hair or wonder if you really have to squeeze into spandex or bundle up and head outdoors when the temperatures get cold.

While having a home gym may not be a feasible option for many people, if you have been paying for a gym membership and are dedicated to improving your health, the treadmills, ellipticals, fitness equipment accessories and more from Smooth Fitness just might end up being a more affordable option in your life!

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

10 Things to Love About Winter {#SmoothBlogger}

Although the only weather conditions that I've had to complain about lately here in the Midwest are the chilly temperatures (my heart goes out to everyone that has been dealing with so much worse lately!), I've been trying to think of the positives that will come along with the impending winter months and have come up with the following 10...

1. My kids love it. Although it isn't my idea of fun to go stand outside in the cold or roll around in the snow, seeing the joy that my kids get out of it does bring a smile to my face (as I watch from the window - Daddy's in charge of playing outside in the winter).

2. Cozy sweaters and stylish scarves. Although I'm sad to put away my beloved sandals and flip flops, I have stacks of sweaters and scarves that I'm happy to pull out and wrap up in. Once the weather gets cold, it's like I have a whole new wardrobe to choose from (considering that I have a bad memory, I often find things in my closet that I didn't know were there anyway)!

3. The darkness makes bedtime easier. Although I complain about Daylight Saving Time every year and I'm not a fan of the sun going down earlier and earlier, I do have to admit that it makes it much easier to get my kids to bed when it is pitch dark out by 6pm!

4. Cooler nights for sleeping. Along with the darkness, I love the feeling of snuggling down under my blankets in bed and not worrying about having to put on a fan or wake up multiple times during the night due to being too hot.

5. Hot chocolate with marshmallows. Mmmmmm, enough said!

6. Curling up by the fire. We have two fireplaces in our house and there is just something about grabbing a good book and a cup of hot cider and enjoying the warmth and crackling that comes along with the flames.

7. No mosquitoes. Although this summer didn't seem to have as many pests as there have been in the past, I'm still not sad to say good-bye to the buzzing and itching.

8. No shaving until spring. Even though I know that there are others out there that keep their legs smooth and hair-free all winter long, I opt for the lazy, they're-going-to-be-covered-so-why-bother? route.

9. The crisp, clean air. Although the wind is often brisk, there's something about the lack of humidity and the cool, freshness that comes along with the snow that I love.

10. My gym is in my house. When the temperatures drop, I find that I will make just about any excuse to not have to bundle up and venture out into the cold. Why not pull on my sweats and let the extra pounds hide? But this year I have no reason to end my workouts thanks to my Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer.

I've been writing for a few months about this solid, stable, commercial grade elliptical trainer and how it truly is the same as what you'd find right alongside rows of other machines in the gym (that all cost two or three times as much).

So, while I've been enjoying the convenience of having it in my house for a while now, when there are three feet of snow piled up outside my door, I know that I'm going to appreciate it even more!

What do you like about winter?

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Music for Exercise and Working Out: What's On Your Playlist? {#SmoothBlogger}

If there is one thing that I can't do, it's exercise without some form of distraction. Whether it's music or television or even a friend working out near me so that we can huff and puff together, I need something to take my mind off of the fact that I'm not relaxing and sitting on the couch.

Fortunately, the amazing Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer from Smooth Fitness provides me with two out of those three options, as I have it placed in front of the television and it comes with a high-tech audio system built right in. Heck, if you count my kids walking in and talking to me or playing on the floor nearby, it covers all three ways that I like to push myself without focusing on the task at hand.

When it's time to jump start my workout with tunes, Smooth's exclusive SmoothSound integrated high-clarity mp3 audio system makes it easier than I would have ever thought. Right on the front of the elliptical, you simply plug your phone, iPod or mp3 right into the "Line In" slot...

...and use the volume control to set your song to soothing or blasting.

Either plug headphones into the matching slot so as to not disturb other members of your household, or allow the two powerful, high-clarity speakers built into the CE 8.0LC to keep you motivated with your favorite music surrounding you.

All that's left to do? Create your own custom workout playlist, of course.

This seems to be where I struggle, as my laziness creeps in and I find myself listening to the same songs over and over. However, I read recently that studies show that the rhythmic speed of your music influences your athletic performance, so that means that I need to update my music with some songs that can get me moving and get the most out of my time on my elliptical machine.

I've been spending some time checking out a variety of songs and think that some of this eclectic mix might make a pretty good addition to my life...

Havana Brown & Pitbull - We Run the Night
Outkast - Hey Ya!
Nicki Minaj - Pound the Alarm
Justin Timberlake - Rock Your Body
The Wanted - Glad You Came
Starship - We Built This City
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Train - Hey, Soul Sister
Beyonce - Crazy In Love
No Doubt - Hella Good

Pretty random list, right? That's why I'm turning to you! Now that my toe is healing from my unfortunate dresser incident, I'm looking to make up for lost time with my Smooth CE 8.0LC and need some motivation.

What are your favorite songs for working out? The ones that make it easy to hit the pavement (or the treadmill), spin your wheels or push through the exhaustion just a little bit more? Do you purchase mp3s? Download free music? What's playing in your ear as you lace up your tennis shoes?

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Exercise, Workouts and (Clumsy and Easily Avoidable) Injuries {#SmoothBlogger}

It has now been three months since the amazing Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer from Smooth Fitness arrived at my door.

And whether I've been feeling extra-motivated or have been slacking off, it has been great getting to know and enjoy this high quality gear ever since the first day. So, other than my own laziness, what else might keep me away from breaking a sweat on this elliptical machine?

The opponents:

In this corner, we have an old dresser. Recently moved out of the guest bedroom that we've slowly been remodeling, it was relegated to the garage for our upcoming garage sale.

In the opposing corner, we have my lovely feet. A little worn from spending the spring and summer barefoot or in flip flops, but still in decent shape with not too outdated of a pedicure.

You'll soon see why one foot is hiding behind the other.

In hindsight, yes, it would have been smarter to have put on tennis shoes before going to help my husband move the dresser. But we were really only turning it around in a circle so that it was more accessible and potential buyers could see the front and drawers. How hard could that be?

Let's just say that if you ever go to move a dresser, keep in mind that you should lift it high enough so that it won't somehow go across your foot, grab onto the toenail on your big toe, and nearly rip it completely off.

Let's also say that, in the unfortunate circumstance that it does happen, it isn't pretty. And that man, it hurts.

Winner: the dresser.

I'm utterly grossed out by the look of my toe, so my thumb has volunteered to reenact the situation with a press-on nail so that you can get a feel for what I have had to hobble around with since last weekend.

When my husband first saw my toe he actually thought I had been wearing fake toenails (who does that?) and one was coming off. Only when I enlightened him that it was my actual nail did he understand why I was writhing on the floor.

While the throbbing pain has gone away (aside from the time that Big Sister E accidentally bumped my foot and I yelped or when Little Sister B actually stepped on my toe and I was instantly crouching on the ground clutching it and whimpering), I've been staying in my sandals because putting on socks and shoes doesn't feel pleasant.

Not a big deal for bringing my kids to school or going to the store, but for working out, it's a problem. How can I jump on my elliptical when I can't put on tennis shoes?

So, for the past week, the Smooth CE 8.0LC has stood alone. Neglected. Ignored. Guilt-inducing.

When doctors recommend resting an athletic injury, they might typically mean things like pulled muscles or sprained ankles, but a hurt toe counts as well, right?

Unfortunately, all of the information that I've found (and heard from other poor folks who have experienced something similar) indicates that all I can do now is wait. My toe will eventually heal itself and hopefully it won't be too long before I can reach for my workout gear once again.

Until then, you haven't seen the last of me, Smooth CE 8.0LC. I'll be back for you. (When I do come back, go easy on my toe though, okay?)

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Vacation Packing: Clothes, Sunscreen and Smooth Fitness? {#SmoothBlogger}

My husband and I took a little vacation recently and the break from the routine of daily life did wonders for my mind and mood. I know that I'm not the only one who can use a change in scenery or a designated time to relax to make me feel more like a human being again!

When it came time to plan our trip, I let my husband go into travel agent mode, as that's the role he does best. My role, on the other hand, is to pack my suitcase and get on the plane, all the while listening while he talks about sights that we'll see and places that we'll visit. The combination really plays on each of our strengths — his organization and my laziness — and has resulted in more than one stellar vacation.

This time when we headed to Vancouver and Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, I knew that the focus was to take in the beauty that both places had to offer and that we would be walking around enjoying the views... but clearly I must not have been listening when I was told just how much walking that would truly take (and just how many hills would be included).

In Vancouver we walked to see the bridges and ocean from various viewpoints...

...totem poles in Stanley Park...

...and back and forth across the 450 foot long Capilano Suspension Bridge and the surrounding 27-acre park.

Let's just say that by the time we arrived in Whistler, I should have been ready to sit for about a week to recover.

Instead, we walked from end to end through Whistler Village while shopping, dining and having our own athletic daydreams in Whistler Olympic Plaza...

...and followed that up with the most awe-inspiring trip to the top of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. While much of that was spent riding the chairlift or gondola (if you ever visit, you've got to try the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola) thousands of feet up in the air...

...we still ended up doing quite a bit of hiking to get to the very top.

Which was amazing.

If you've ever wanted to feel as though you're on top of the world, this is the place!

Mind the signs, though. You don't want to find yourself falling from the top of the world!

When we finally made it down and had time to reflect, I could only think about the breathtaking views and the complete difference in this terrain as compared to what I typically see outside my window in the Midwest. It's just not that often that I look out and see the ocean or a mountain, you know?

The thing that I didn't find myself dwelling on (although I would have thought I would) was being tired. Exhausted. Sore. I spend a typical day hanging out with my kids or sitting in front of the computer, so why weren't my legs aching to rest for a month after all that walking and hiking?

And then I remembered Smooth Fitness and the Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer sitting home in my bedroom. After having used this elliptical machine since June, it clearly has been just the right amount of work to get me in shape so that I was prepared for this trip.

Instead of collapsing into bed and nagging my husband to rub the muscles in my legs and feet, I merely gave everything a stretch and was ready for the following day's adventure.

No matter if you're training for a marathon or just looking for a way to get in shape...

...the CE 8.0LC can provide just the amount of workout that you need. After all, you never know the next time you're going to find yourself in the mountains of Canada, right? Don't wait to start getting yourself in shape today!

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Smooth Fitness is Keeping the Whole Family in Shape! {#SmoothBlogger}

While I've spent the past two months talking about my own experience with Smooth Fitness and the Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer, I can't leave out the fact that I haven't been the only one excited about the ability to have the gym right here in our home.

That's right. As with pretty much everything that I do in life, my two mini cohorts were instantly curious. From the day that this elliptical trainer arrived, they wanted to know what it was for, what it did, and, most importantly, if they could try it out.

While I resisted each and every time (after all, the CE 8.0LC is far from being a toy or item to play on), I later found that my husband was allowing the girls their own exercise time when I wasn't around. Typical.

However, the first time that I got to see Big Sister E and Little Sister B using this machine, I had to admit that I had underestimated them. While I thought that they would just be climbing and playing on it, I was surprised and pleased to find that they truly were able to use it as it is designed.

While Big Sister E is a little too short to be able to use the moving handlebars, she really is able to fully extend the pedals and operate the flywheel smoothly and comfortably.

Considering I'd love to instill an appreciation for exercise early on, I'm happy to let her take a turn on the CE 8.0LC (with my supervision, of course) and get her body moving.

Little Sister B, on the other hand, lacks much of the height and coordination to really get things moving. However, that doesn't mean that she still isn't able to put in her time pumping her little legs back and forth while holding on to the stationary handles.

While I'm always standing close by in case either of my elliptical machine fans needs me, anytime that they are able to work off some energy (tiring them out) while inspiring me to want to take a turn ends up being a win-win situation for all of us!

Although the Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer is designed with the precision and technical specifications to make it a commercial grade, professional machine, it is clearly easy enough for children to operate. And if that isn't motivation enough for someone like me to get up and get moving, then I don't know what is!

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Comfort and Convenience at Home with a Smooth Fitness Elliptical Machine {#SmoothBlogger}

Another two weeks down and the Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer from Smooth Fitness has proven again that it is the convenient, high quality, versatile machine that I thought it was from the first day it arrived.

Due to a cold that my children so nicely passed along to me, I unfortunately spent a little less time on the elliptical than I would have liked recently. But it's hard when your head is stuffed up and your body already feels exhausted to find the energy to work out (let alone get out of bed).

But even with that said, a little sickness can't keep me from appreciating even more of the features that the Smooth CE 8.0LC contains. In my previous post I raved about the water bottle holder and the integrated reading rack (love them!) but currently I'm a big fan of the cushioned foot pedals and the heavy duty flywheel!

You're wondering how much of a difference pedals and a flywheel can really make, aren't you? The answer is quite a bit!

Have you ever trying working out on an elliptical and had to fit your feet into the pedals just so? Or you've been huffing and puffing away and you feel your feet start to ache from the pressure? Neither of those happen with the CE 8.0LC.

These oversize pedals provide plenty of room that feet both big and small have space to fit without being cramped. At the same time, the non-slip grip keeps shoes from sliding around (an annoyance that no one enjoys) and the cushioning keeps your feet comfortable.

I love that I can adjust my stance while moving on the CE 8.0LC and never be off balance or feel that I have to strive to find a a comfortable position. Instead, I can just keep step, step, stepping until I'm too tired to go any further!

At the same time, working out on an elliptical is much more frustrating if those pedals have a jerky, bumping movement back and forth. I have always felt that one of the main reasons behind selecting one of these machines instead of a treadmill or a stair stepper is that an elliptical machine can provide a much smoother, more even motion.

Which is why the extremely large, heavy duty flywheel on the CE 8.0LC gives it a noticeably smoother ride than just about any other elliptical machine that I've tried!

Peeking inside the large casing on the back of the Smooth Fitness CE 8.0LC!

While I don't claim to understand how Smooth Fitness put this beautiful machine together, I do know that by leaving out the rollers and including this large, high quality flywheel on the back, that it is just another way that they have ensured that you have the best experience possible with it.

Even though these are two features that might be overlooked when considering the purchase of an elliptical machine, they're just as important as the rest! Smooth Fitness has made it so that novice athletes like me appreciate every little bit that makes the workout more comfortable and convenient, while those that are more knowledgeable just know that this is the way to have a great gym right at home.

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Even the Small Features make Working Out Fun with the Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer from Smooth Fitness {#SmoothBlogger}

Ta da! It has been one month since the Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer from Smooth Fitness entered my life and I'm proud to report that I'm still alive.

While I've experienced plenty of exhaustion, sore muscles (although not nearly as sore as I had expected), and harassment from my husband to get up there and stop complaining (which, in actuality, is the type of trainer that I need), I have made it through the month and am still enamored with this elliptical.

And while it includes a laundry list of amazing technical features and specifications (some of which I understand and some of which I don't), the two that I have been most appreciative lately are the water bottle holder and the integrated reading rack.

Don't get me wrong, things like the preset exercise programs and the heavy duty, commercial grade quality of the machine are incredible, but it is also the smaller details that Smooth Fitness includes in their treadmills and ellipticals that make me love the company even more.

In my case, I can make it five or 10 minutes on the CE 8.0LC before my thirst starts to overtake me. While I could easily prop a water bottle on a chair nearby, having the convenience of the included water bottle holder right at my fingertips is great. Even better is that this isn't a small holder that will only fit standard bottles - my oversize 25 ounce bottle fits in with ease!

When I'm not focusing on quenching my thirst, I try to distract myself from my workout by watching television (I'm not the only one who loves catching reruns of Friends on Nick at Nite, right?). However, there are also times that I want to keep up with the rest of my life, and that's where the integrated reading rack comes in handy.

This rack is perfect for holding reading materials such as books, magazines and newspapers...

...but also is a secure place for my phone, iPod or iPad to stand. Whether I want to catch up on my favorite blogs, see what's new on Twitter, or simply utilize my must-have apps, being able to have technology nearby is something that today's digital world necessitates.

While these are two features that you'll probably find standard on many pieces of exercise equipment in your gym, that's just exactly what makes having the Smooth CE 8.0LC right at home even better! No thoughts on not wanting to leave the house, your exercise clothes, who else might be there, or how hard you are huffing and puffing, you have the whole gym to yourself thanks to Smooth Fitness!

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Learning my way around the Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer from Smooth Fitness {#SmoothBlogger}

As I mentioned two weeks ago, my fitness journey with Smooth Fitness is underway.

I have already been sidetracked a bit by heading out of town as well as... well, life, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been utilizing this amazing machine as much as possible. There is really no excuse about not being able to get to the gym when the gym is in your bedroom, you know?

I'll admit that when I first stood and admired the Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical Trainer, I was also pretty intimidated. This isn't just another piece of workout equipment, this is a solid, stable, commercial grade elliptical trainer that you'd find right alongside rows of other machines in the gym (that all cost two or three times as much).

The first few times I tentatively set foot on the CE 8.0LC, I had no idea how to use any of the 21 Challenging Preset Exercise Programs or change between the 16 levels of intensity. But did that matter?

Not in the least.

I was too impatient to read through the owner's manual, so I simply hopped on, pressed Start and was on my way. While all I was able to do was admire the rest of the buttons, I was still able to complete my workout just fine... which, I have since realized, makes the versatility one of the big positives of this machine.

If you have been utilizing elliptical trainers for years and  want something that has all of the bells and whistles, this is it. With a maximum weight of 400lbs, the CE 8.0LC is a stable and durable elliptical that can withstand heavy daily use. It is solid, comfortable and extremely quiet, so it will easily fit into your fitness regime, no matter how demanding.

On the other hand, if you're new to the world of elliptical machines, you will quickly realize that it isn't difficult to feel like a pro once you've taken this for a spin or two. Even with my creaking, cracking bad knees (I had knee surgery 14 years ago and have to be careful about how much pressure or pounding they receive) I have found that the smooth, fluid motions work the whole body (the moving handlebars are great for the upper body) without any jarring or harsh movements.

In the next two weeks I'm looking forward to utilizing a few more of the features of the Smooth CE 8.0LC, such as the SmoothSound Integrated High-Clarity Audio and the high-clarity speakers that go with it as well as the integrated reading rack for a book or magazine.

At the same time, I want to break out of my comfort zone of just working out on the manual setting and try the various preset exercise programs... all while hoping that I don't keel over from exhaustion. But in a good way, of course!

Let's go, Smooth Fitness! It's exercise time!

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Find out more about Smooth Fitness and the incredible Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer on their website and be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Even better, they have just kicked off their Viral Video Contest where the winner will receive Smooth Fitness' #1 Selling Treadmill, the Smooth 5.65. Head over to their website to see the contest rules and get your video camera out and your creative hat on to enter by July 15, 2012!

As a #SmoothBlogger, I have been provided with a Smooth CE 8.0LC Commercial Elliptical from Smooth Fitness. However, all thoughts and opinions shared are honest and my own.