2012年5月28日星期一

Front Loading Washing Machine Vibration


Rocking
Gently tilt the washer back and forth. If it rocks from side to side or corner to corner, then the problem is all four of the feet on the unit are not touching the ground, or the floor is not level. Either way, adjust the feet on the washer to prevent the vibration during normal use of the machine. Most models have feet that adjust by turning them clockwise to make them longer and counterclockwise to shorten them. Adjust the feet so the washing machine no longer rocks when you push on it. Some models also have locking nuts above the feet on the same screw that tighten against the bottom of the machine to hold the feet in place. Make sure they are tight once the machine is level.
Use a Level
Sometimes the entire floor of the laundry room or something about the machine is not level. Either of these problems could lead to unnecessary vibration even if the machine does not rock back and forth when you push it. Use a level to check the front-to-back and side-to-side leveling of the machine. If it is not level or very close, then you may have slanted floors or a problem with the machine itself. Seriously sloping floors could mean you need to use a block of wood to level the machine for proper operation.
Anti-Vibration Pads
Since the high-speed spin of front-loading washers is such a common cause of vibration, a product has been developed to help reduce the vibration; this also may help with the sound of vibrations as well as the actual shaking. The product is rubber discs that work well with any type of washer. These discs often have an adhesive on one side to stick to the washer where it connects with the floor. The rubber absorbs the energy from the vibrating machine and helps to make laundry day as quiet as possible.
Unbalanced Laundry
Sometimes the load in the machine causes the vibration in your washer. If you have a load of laundry that is inconsistently distributed inside the washing tub of the machine, the spin could cause the machine to shake violently. It is less likely in a front-loading machine than it is in a top loader, but it still can happen. This is especially true if you place single, heavy items in the wash and they get stuck on one side.
whole body vibration machine whole body vibration machines

How to Wash a Yoga Mat

1,Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Since not all mats are made from the same materials, you will want to wash your yoga mat according to the directions provided. If you have lost the cleaning instructions, stick to a nonabrasive cleaning process.
2,Decide just how dirty your mat really is. If all you need is a light cleaning, then you should create a solution of baking soda and water. Use a tsp. of baking soda to about two cups of warm water. Use a soft cloth to clean the dirty areas of your mat. Rinse the mat with clean water and dry with another cloth.
3,Deep clean your thick yoga mat by soaking it a tub of water. Use a kitchen sponge to scrub off the dirty spots. Avoid using detergents, as they will cause your mat to be slippery during use. A baking soda and water solution can be used for extremely dirty spots.
4,Dry your mat by rolling it with a towel (or two as you need to cover the length of the mat) and letting it rest overnight. In the morning, unroll your mat and hang it to finish drying.
5,Keep your thick yoga mats clean by using a spray bottle of warm water or natural yoga mat wipes after each workout. Do not use alcohol based wipes on your mat.
6,Keep a few yoga mat wipes in your bag to do a quick clean before and after your workout. With basic maintenance, you should not have to do heavier cleanings very often.

How to Select an Inversion Table

1,Decide if you’d prefer a manual or motorized unit. On a manual table, you must use handles on either side of your body to position the table at the desired angle. These units are not as easy to use as motorized tables, which are adjusted using built-in controls. Because they are less complex, manual units cost less and suffer fewer maintenance problems over time on average.
2,Consider storage requirements. If you’d like the ability to store your fitness inversion table out-of-sight, look for fold-down units that can be easily stowed. Find out the weight of each table to be sure you can move it easily on your own and that you are able to set it up with ease when you want to use it.
3,Compare costs. According to Inversion Tables 101, these units cost between $150 and $600, depending on quality and features. Those just getting started with inversion therapy may want to consider a more affordable model, while experienced users may wish to invest in a higher quality unit.
4,Look for quality. Steel or aluminum frames tend to be more durable than plastic ones. Look for a unit that is strong and sturdy. It should not rock or squeak when you are using it. Check to see if the table has a warranty. Most of the more popular brands offer some form of warranty, while lesser-known companies may not.
5,Check for comfort and fit. Test the table to make sure it has enough padding for comfortable use. Make sure you can get on and off the table smoothly and invert it easily. Check the height and weight capacity to make sure it is sized correctly for your body.
6,Review ankle support options. Some inversion tables have a simple bar that users must wrap their feet around as they invert. Others have adjustable ankle straps that hold you in place automatically. The choice between these two options is largely a matter of personal preference.
7,Think about the desired angle of inversion. Not all inversion tables can be used easily at every angle. Some tables may not invert a full 180 degrees, while others can be hard to hold in place at mid-positions. Check with your doctor or chiropractor to see what angle of inversion you should be aiming for.

2012年5月25日星期五

Health Mark Vibration Machine Exercises


Core Exercises
The whole body vibration machine has a platform you can stand, sit or lie on. The movement of the machine creates instability that works your core muscles more than a stable surface, like a floor or bench.
An effective exercise for the abs and back is to sit on the machine and balance on your tailbone. Bring your legs straight in front of you 45 degrees off the floor. If this is too difficult, then bend your knees. Lean back slightly. Extend your arms in front of you parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 20 seconds with the machine on.
Once you have mastered this exercise, try to lean back further and then crunch up. Even a movement of six inches leaning back and crunching back up will really work your core.
You can also do standard crunches by placing your lower back on the platform and your feet on the floor.
Legs
Lunges are a great leg workout on a Health Mark vibration machine.
Put your left foot on the platform and extend your right behind you on the floor. You can place your hands on your hips for a more difficult core muscle challenge, or grab the machine’s handrails. Bend your left knee until it is about three inches from the floor but keep your back straight. Do 10 to 15 lunges, change legs and do 10 to 15 on the other side.
You can also do side squats by turning to the side and placing one foot on the platform and the other flat on the floor. Bend your knees and squat down, then stand back up. Do 10 squats and then turn around and place your other foot on the platform.
Aerobics
To lose weight, burn fat or improve your cardiovascular fitness level, use the vibration machine like an aerobic step. Simply step on and off the machine for three 10-minute sessions a day or one 30-minute session.
Stand facing the machine and then step up onto it with your left foot. Bring your right foot onto the platform. Then step off with your right foot and step down with your left. Continue for five minutes, then switch your lead foot: right, left, left, right.

Choose Yoga Mat Thickness

1,Consider where you will use your yoga mat. If you practice at a yoga studio, you may not want to carry a thicker, heavier mat to and from class. Travelers often prefer a medium thickness mat with indentations for folding, rather than choosing one that must be rolled. Those with a home practice may have the luxury of focusing solely on function for their choice of thickness.
2,Decide on the features you need for your style of yoga practice. Heated vinyasa classes combine standing poses with plenty of sweat, so you may want a textured or sticky mat that is thinner, about 1/8 inch, so that your feet can feel the floor through the mat. Using a mat that is too thick in this style class will likely cause you to slip in your standing poses. Yin-style classes focus on seated and reclined postures where extra padding, up to ? inch, is a plus. Many yin teachers suggest that you fold your mat in half to fit more people into the practice space, so you may be able to use a ?-inch mat as well.
3,Make note of any sensitivities you have had in the past. If your wrists are painful in the downward facing dog pose, you may want an extra long mat so that you can roll up the edge to provide more padding in just one area of the mat. If you have a latex allergy, or are sensitive to scent, avoid mats made of natural rubber.
4,Consider your budget and what type of material you can afford. The most economical mats are made of PVC or vinyl. Expect to pay a bit more for rubber, jute or cotton. Choosing organic or recycled materials will also add to your cost.
5,Decide whether you prefer a pattern or a plain color for your thick yoga mat. Some designs are purely decorative, while others offer alignment assistance with guidelines printed onto the mat. You may not be able to combine all of the features you are looking for with a specific color and design preference.

2012年5月24日星期四

How to Use Inversion Tables?


1,Facing away from the table, lean your back against the table slowly. If your inversion therapy table has ankle holds, make sure your feet are firmly secured in the ankle holds.
2,Start by lying back fully on the table, keeping your hands at your side, and using your thighs and feet to support your weight.
3,Slowly raise your arms and begin leaning back until you have reached the maximum distance the table can go back. Usually gravity inversion tables have adjustment straps, so keep the angle of degree at a minimum to start.
4,Gently rock the table, and as you get more familiar with its use, you can adjust your rocking pattern. The swinging motion of the table will place your spine in traction and compression.
5,Do this routine for approximately five minutes morning and evening, upping your length to a maximum of thirty minutes twice daily.

Use Vibration Machines for Exercise


1,Know your limits. Before even setting foot on the vibration machine, find out what the contraindications are. For example, the machine is not recommended if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or a pacemaker, have any tumors, or had surgery recently.
2,Use the correct posture. When you are using a whole body vibration machine, it is important to have the proper body alignment. When you are doing standing exercises, make sure your weight is on your toes, your knees are slightly bent and your heels are slightly elevated.
3,Set up your time, amplitude and frequency. The vibrating exercise machine comes with a screen where you can input this information. The time can be set according to your fitness levels. For example, if you are just beginning, 20 to 30 seconds is optimal. The amplitude is the distance the plate will vibrate. This is generally 2 to 4 millimeters. When just starting out, go with 2 millimeters. The frequency is the speed at which it will vibrate and it is measured in hertz. This is the amount of vibrations that will take place per second. Setting it at 20 hertz is a good starting point. After you start feeling comfortable and your exercises are feeling easy, increase the time, amplitude and frequency accordingly. This generally takes two to four weeks.
4,Work on your balance. To improve your balance, simply stand on the plate while it is vibrating. Keep your weight on your toes and keep your knees slightly bent. For an added challenge, stand on one foot.
5,Hook up the straps. These straps get attached at various locations around the base of the plate. You hold on to them, turn the machine on and vibrations are sent through your muscles. An example of an exercise would be a bicep curl. Attach the straps to the sides, grab the loops with your palms up, place one foot on the machine, turn it on and then pull up as hard as you can. Hold this isometric position for the time that you entered.
6,Sit on it. To do a seated exercise, you need to place the pad on the plate. Sit on top of it in the up position of a crunch. Turn it on and hold the contraction. Another ab variation that can be done is a plank. To do this exercise, place your forearms on the pads and your feet on the ground with your body in a straight line. Turn it on and hold.
7,Become more flexible. You can gain flexibility in your hamstrings by doing a forward bend extension. Stand on the plate with your feet together. Bend over into a squat position, grab your ankles and hug your thighs into your chest. Turn the machine on and slowly straighten your legs, but maintain a forward fold. Come to a point where your legs are almost straight but you still have slightly bent knees.