Showing posts with label Sports and Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports and Fitness. Show all posts

Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand (Combo) Review

Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand (Combo)

Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand (Combo)

Some Great Features :

    • Each dumbbell adjusts from 4 to 45 pounds, in 5 pound increments, allowing you to rapidly switch from one exercise to the next
    • Great space and money saver; the Universal Power Pak replaces 9 sets or 18 individual dumbbells
    • Includes an ergonomically designed dumbbell stand to neatly store your dumbbells
    • Durable thermoplastic rubber handle for a comfortable non-slip grip
    • Workout guide
Get in shape with the Nautilus® PowerPak® dumbbells. These weights adjust from 4 to 45 lbs at the twist of a dial, so you can get a complete resistance workout without tons of space-hogging equipment.Offering an ideal combination of performance and space-saving ingenuity, the Universal Power Pak dumbbell and stand set is a great choice for athletes and beginning weight trainers alike. The Power Pak dumbbells--which adjust from 4 to 45 pounds in 5-pound increments--work just like a weight stack at the gym. When you want to change weights, simply move the weight selector dial to the appropriate setting. As you lift the handle, the weights lift with you, turning your 10-pound dumbbell into a 20-pound, 30-pound, or 40-pound dumbbell. The dumbbell set lets you perform everything from light tricep extensions to bicep curls to incline bench press, all with a single dumbbell set. No more cluttering up your workout space with dozens of weights, or trudging across the room to grab new dumbbells each time you switch exercises.The set also includes a Universal stand that lets you store your dumbbells in a single location. The stand includes two cradles that are custom sized for the Power Pak dumbbells, holding them at an ideal height for quick access. Plus, the stand makes it easy to reach the weight selector dial, so you can adjust the Power Pak dumbbells in just a few quick seconds. The dumbbells and stand carry a one-year warranty.
Specifications:
Choose from more than 30 different exercises to stay in shape.
The Universal Power-Pak 445 dumbbells adjust from 4 pounds to 45 pounds of weight.
  • Weight Range: 4 to 45 lbs for each dumbbell
  • Exercises Available: 30+
  • Weight Settings: 9
  • Weight Settings in pounds: 4, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45
  • Dumbbell Dimensions (Each): 14 inches long by 15 inches wide by 7 inches tall
  • Weight (Each): 45 pounds
Leg Exercises:
  • Wide squats
  • Calf raises
  • Stationary lunges
  • Stiff-leg dead lift
  • Reverse lunge
  • Side lunge
Back Exercises:
  • Alternating rows
  • Wide row
  • Dead lift
Chest Exercises:
  • Flat chest press
  • Incline chest press
  • Flat fly
  • Incline fly
  • Decline chest press
Abdominal Exercises:
  • Ab crunch
  • Reverse crunch
  • Lying trunk rotation
  • Twisting side crunch
  • Lying leg raise
Arm Exercises:
  • Standing curls
  • Concentration curls
  • Incline bench curls
  • Scott curls
  • Overhead triceps extension
  • Triceps kickback
  • Lying triceps extension
  • Hammer curls
Shoulder Exercises:
  • Standing shoulder press
  • Lateral raise
  • Seated overhead press
  • Front raise
  • Rear delt row
  • Shrugs
List Price: $ 449.00


Customer Reviews


46 of 51 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great weight set at a great price,November 15, 2011
By 
Stephen J. Cross (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
  

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand (Combo) (Sports)
I was a little worried purchasing these with no reviews, but I took a chance and boy am I happy I did. I was very pleased with the ease of setting up the stand and weights. The weights are very easy to use and switch between the different weight levels. I would highly recommend these for both the price of the stand/weights and for the quality of the product. You won't be disappointed.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice inexpensive alternative to the Bowflex SelectTechs and other adjustable models,February 9, 2012
By 

This review is from: Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand (Combo) (Sports)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
The Power-Pak 445 (PP445) by Universal (a division of Nautilus) is an adjustable dumbbell set that allows you to adjust the weight of the dumbbells from 4 to 45 pounds in 5lb increments. Traditional dumbbells are expensive. They typically sell for around $1 per pound, and take up a lot of room. If you're at a gym this isn't a problem. If you're working out from home, it is a real pain to store 7 or 8 sets of dumbbells, and bring them out and put them away after a workout. I am a big fan of adjustable dumbbell sets. Not only do you usually save money, but you get a lot more variety which makes your workouts faster and more efficient, and prevent clutter in your house. The only disadvantage to them, is that they're bigger than standard dumbbells, which can limit your range of motion in some exercises, and you can't drop them or be as rough with them as regular weights.
Below are the major brands of adjustable dumbbells that Amazon sells in the 50 pound range. I've listed them based on a combination of popularity and rating based on what I think are the best to least best, with the Bowflex SelectTechs (which I'll refer to as BST) at the top. I currently use the BST and I think it is the best adjustable dumbbell option right now, so the rest of my review will compare the PP445 to them.
1. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) 5 to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 pound increments
2. PowerBlock Classic Adjustable Dumbbell Set 5 to 45 lbs in 5 pound increments
3. Ironmaster 75 lb Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System - 5 to 75 lbs in 2 1/2 pound increments, includes stand
4. XMark Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell 5-50 lbs 5 to 50 lbs in 10 pound increments
5. Performance Fitness Systems TB560 5 to 60-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand 5 to 60 lbs in 2.5-pound increments, includes stand
6. Bayou Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell(50 -Pounds) 10 to 50 lbs in 5 pound increments
There are two features right away about the PP445s that I like. The first is that they come with a stand. For the dumbbells above that don't come with a stand, expect to pay an extra $100 - $150 for one. It's not a requirement, as they all contain some type of base that they fit into, but you don't want to have to pick up heavy weights off of the ground, which can throw your back out or tire you out before you even start the set. Of course the disadvantage to this is that a stand takes up dedicated space in your house, as opposed to just putting the weights in the corner or under a bed. But if you do have the space for it, I recommend getting one. The second feature, is that these weights have a smooth weight selection system that makes it very quick and easy to adjust the weights to different levels. My Bowflex SelectTechs work pretty well, but every once in awhile they will catch and not lock in on a certain weight. The 445s don't seem to have this problem.
The first thing you'll notice about the PP445 is that they're bigger than standard dumbbells. They have to be taller in order to allow the use of multiple plates on the rack. Because of this, it may limit some of your sets. I tried out the PP445s with five routines of P90X: Tony Horton's 90-Day Extreme Home Fitness Workout DVD Program, which I think is a great litmus test because it involves dozens of different exercises that use a variety of moves to give you a good evaluation of how they will compare to standard dumbbells. Like the BST, there were only a few moves that I would have preferred standard dumbbells for - tricep extensions, and tricep kickbacks. The weight plates are so big that it can be tough to clear your chest on moves like this. However there is one advantage to having larger adjustable dumbbells, in that it encourages you to work your stabilizers, which is the main reason that...
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great bargain at Amazon's Lightning Deal Price,December 7, 2011
By 
James Stevens "hobbies15" (Fredericksburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
  

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Universal Power-Pak 445 Adjustable Dumbbells with Stand (Combo) (Sports)
I ordered this on a whim when it popped up as a daily deal over the weekend. First off, Amazon was amazing. Not only was the price the cheapest I can find by $80, they still shipped it with two day Prime shipping. 120+ pounds from Tacoma, Washington to rural Virginia via 2 day FedEx had to cost them more than the margin on the weight set...particularly since it was reduced to $200.
Now, the product. I can't comment on the longevity yet. I've only had it for the better part of a day. I'm pretty hard on weight equipment (God help a coated hex bell if it finds it's way to my home), and will update this review if anything comes up. The only thing that has me concerned is the trays that the weights have to be returned to. They're made of thick plastic. Someone in the comments from a previous review had mentioned being worried about the plastic handles. They seem really well made to me and I don't expect any issues. The trays also seem well made, but up to forty-five pounds is going to be set in it and removed time and time again. The trays are integral to the way the weight selection functions, so they appear to me to be the weakest link. Time will tell though.
The selector knobs turn much more easily than I expected. Choosing a weight, lifting the dumbbell and replacing it all happen very easily. One thing I was worried about was the plates clacking together while in use. So far, that doesn't seem to happen.
The stand was the only thing requiring any assembly. All of the necessary hardware came shrink wrapped to a single card and everything was well marked and organized. It also came with a hex wrench and a really awful box wrench made of thin metal. Trying to put the first bolt in was enough to send me to the garage for a ratchet set. Assembly went amazingly well. The stand pieces simply bolt together and are secured with nylon insert lock nuts. It should stay nice and stable forever. The weights themselves sit in trays that bolt to the rack. The trays are threaded to accept the bolts, and prior experience has taught me that if there was going to be a stumbling point, this would be it. Thankfully whoever did their manufacturing did a great job. I was able to finger tighten the bolts all the way in and then finish up with the wrench.
1st update: Depending on the weight selected there is some definite rattling between the plates. You can also feel a bit of rattle when you rotate your grip. It's not too annoying...kind of reminiscent of the rattle you get on a traditional plate/bar dumbbell when a collar hasn't been snugged up tight.
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Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review

Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike

Some Great Features :

    • Extra large black backlit LCD window with multi colored brickyard
    • MP3 music input port, speakers, 2 speed fan and built in water bottle holder and utility tray.
    • Convenient and comfortable contact heart rate pads.
    • Transport wheels so you can easily move your bike into any room of the house. Under seat storage for magazines, books or towels.
    • Extra thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support and oversized pedals with toe straps.
    • New oversized console with 17 preset programs (including 8 profile courses and 3 Polar® heart rate controlled programs) and 16 levels of resistance. Schwinn Advantage workout journal with 2 user profiles. The console angle is adjustable to fit multiple users.
Schwinn Recumbent Bikes have highly adjustable resistance, heavy duty flywheels and comfortable seats, with the added benefit of lower back support. Like all Schwinn products, the Schwinn 250 is built with the durability and quality that has made Schwinn one of the most trusted names in the industry. Features include a perimeter weighted flywheel, 16 resistance levels, 17 programs, speakers and MP3 music input port, and both telemetry and contact heart rate monitoring. It also includes the following exclusive Schwinn features:BioFit™ Comfort
  • Ergonomic, extra-wide seat
  • Oversized, ergonomic pedal design
  • Fore-aft and angle-adjustable console, with integrated blower fan, bottle holder and utility tray
  • Speakers and MP3 music input port
BioDyne™ Performance
  • Perimeter weighted flywheel for a true road feel, and smooth, consistent workouts
  • Oversized stabilizers and levelers that are built-in for a solid workout platform
BioConnect® Feedback
  • 17 preset programs including 8 profile courses, quick start, distance goal, fitness test
  • 3 Polar® heart rate programs
  • Extra large black backlit LCD window
  • Schwinn Advantage™ workout tracking
  • Polar® telemetry-enabled heart rate system
Features & Specifications:
  • 16 resistance levels
  • Perimeter weighted flywheel
  • Eddy Current Brake (ECB) resistance system
  • Retractable reading rack
  • Water bottle holder
  • Fan
  • Speakers
  • Additional storage
  • Rear stabilizer frame levelers
  • Transport wheels
  • Adjustable handlebars
  • Switchable from miles to kilometers (KM)
  • Fore/aft seat adjustment
  • Oversized deluxe pedal
  • Oversized saddle
  • Maximum user weight: 275 pounds
Manufacturer's Warranty:
5 years on the frame, 1 year on the mechanical and electrical parts, 3 months on the wear parts.
Compare These Recumbent Exercise Bikes

 
Schwinn A20
Schwinn 220 (2009)
Schwinn 240
Schwinn 250
Nautilus R514
Number of Programs710171716
Workout Programs1 Manual, 6 Profile6 Profile, 1 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, Results Mode8 Profile, 2 Custom, Quick Start, Fitness Test, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Distance Goal, Results Mode8 Profiles, Quick Start, Distance Goal, 2 Custom, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Fitness Test, Results Mode6 Profile, Quick Start, 2 Custom, 3 Heart Rate Controlled, Fitness Test, Distance Goal, Calorie Goal, Results Mode
Performance TrackingNoNoSchwinn Advantage™Schwinn Advantage™No
Polar® Heart Rate SystemNoNoNoYesYes
Heart Ratecontactcontacttelemetry enabled & contacttelemetry enabled & contacttelemetry enabled (with chest strap) & contact
Display TypeLCDextra large LCDextra large black backlit LCD with multi-colored brickyardextra large black backlit LCD with multi-colored brickyardextra large blue backlit LCD
Resistance Levels816161616
Other Featuresmagnetic eddy current brake, extra large console, fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, two position lumbar support, powered by battery or AC adaptor (sold separately) compatible, transport wheels, rear stabilizer frame levelers, switchable from miles to kilometersmagnetic eddy current brake, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, reading rack, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, AC adaptor includedmagnetic eddy current brake, console angle adjustability, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, storage basket, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, oversized deluxe pedalseddy current brake, console angle adjustability, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, blower fan, speakers, storage basket, reading rack, water bottle holder, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, adjustable handlebars, switchable from miles to kilometers, oversized deluxe pedalsmagnetic eddy current brake, console angle adjustability, thickly padded seat with side bolsters and lumbar support, blower fan, reading rack, water bottle holder, storage basket, rear stabilizer frame levelers, transport wheels, switchable from miles to kilometers, oversized deluxe pedals
Dimensions (L x W x H)61 x 17 x 41 inches56 x 25 x 38 inches63 x 25 x 46 inches67 x 25 x 26 inches67 x 25 x 52 inches
Product Weight60 pounds97 pounds117 pounds117 pounds119 pounds
WarrantyFrame: 2 years, Mechanical & Electric: 6 months, Wear Parts: 30 daysFrame: 5 years, Mechanical & Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 daysFrame: 5 years, Mechanical & Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 daysFrame: 5 years, Mechanical & Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 daysFrame: 10 years, Mechanical: 2 years, Electric: 1 year, Wear Parts: 6 months
Max. User Weight275 pounds275 pounds275 pounds275 pounds300 pounds
List Price: $ 599.00


Customer Reviews


47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Exercise Machine (Excellent combination with kindle fire),November 2, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike (Sports)
Easy to setup and use. Very sturdy piece of equipment. Gives one a good workout. Comfortable and useful like some of the thousand dollar bikes. Slightly better than Schwinn 240 with additional programs and bigger console to rest your reading materials or Kindle/ipad etc. I was originally looking to buy Schwinn 240 but since 240 was getting discontinued decided to buy Schwinn 250 to make full use of warranty and service. I could not find a better price for this in local stores, Amazon had it delivered in three days with free shipping and no tax.
UPDATE Jan 20th, 2012 - I have been using this for a while now and it is awsome machine. I also use kindle fire while using it and this seems to be an excellent combo if you want to loose weight. I read books, magzines, watch movies, listen to music, check email and surf web and time flies by. I only intend to use this bike for 30 minutes but while using kindle fire I seldom finish in less than an hour. I am able to see difference in my weight in just weeks.
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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can an exercise bike be a delight and a dream come true.,November 26, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike (Sports)
I have a really "bad" back, and have had to give-up walking and going to the gym. By trial and error I eliminated every type of exercise that increased the pain. While I am not exactly "in love" with exercise, it has always kept my weight under control. And,I discovered without a regular form of exercise I didn't feel as well as I had, and I started to gain weight. In desperation, I tried my friends Schwinn 240. Using a recumbent bike, didn't hurt my back. It had many good qualities, but the seat wasn't quite as comfortable as I would have liked. I came to Amazon to order the 240, and was excited when I read there was a new bike, the Schwinn Recumbent model 250. I immediately ordered it. I was pleased when Amazon notified me that I could expect the bike between November 25, and December 13, 2011. The bike was delivered at 9:30 a.m. November 25, 2011. The box was in good condition & the bike parts appeared perfect.My husband immediately began assembly. It took about 3 1/2 hours, he followed the clear instructions, & having the parts individually labeled was an amazing help. I could not wait to try it out. I got on the bike moments after he had completed assembly, I found the seat to be exceptionally comfortable, it was enough wider that my husand could use it also. The higher seat back supported my back better than I could have dreamed. The seat also has a better comfort factor than the Schwinn 240. It operated so quietly that I could listen to t.v. or have a conversation and not miss a word. When I got up the next morning I felt I had discovered a miracle, my back hadn't gone into spasm during the night. I used it again today and I love, love it even more. Thank you Amazon.com for carrying quality products. It was an added bonus not to pay for shipping the bike Thanks again Amazon.com..
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Schwinn 250,October 30, 2011
By 
Penny Ann Drumheller (Forreston, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Schwinn 250 Recumbent Exercise Bike (Sports)
This bike is built to last. All the parts are beefy. The MP3 port is really not what it is ad. as. All it is a 2 speaker port. No amp or vol adj. I have to have my MP3 turned all the way up to hear it. But the bike is extremely quiet. The only thing that you hear is when it changes the resistance levels and that is a very quiet motor sound. The display large and easy to read. If you have the display tilted all the way forward it gets in the way of the handle bars that are up front. You will not be able to put this in front of you tv and be able to see it since the display is right there. The fan is kind of a joke. It moves very little air even on high. But i guess that something is better than nothing.
The assembly went smoothly took a little over an hour but I did it by myself. The bike is heavy so you may need a helper when unboxingassy. The seat adjustment knob have to be lossened all the way before the seat will slide. I would have changed this with something that is a little quicker (coarser threads).
None of these little drawbacks takes away from the quality of the bike. I would still recommend this to anybody that wants a recumbent bike.
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