Advantages: Easy to change bit.
Disadvantages: Not so easy to change reins.

...I am always spending money on my horses, though I am trying to curb that now, they are expensive enough without trying. I have had several different bridles. Essentially they are the same thing, only varying in make, slight style, quality, price. I like the Barnsby - Whitaker training bridle as it has clips on to the bit instead of buckles. I think this sets it apart from others. Not only does it look good, but it is quick to change the bit when necesssary, hence the name, training bridle. I was delighted with this bridle, but it went with a horse that I sold. It was not a decision that I took lightly and he is still at the yard so I see him every day. It did not take the new owner long to buy a new bridle of an expensive make (status symbol). Her choice, but I thought it was a waste and IT was not cheap. Never mind... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Reasonably priced.
Disadvantages: The watch face is a bit too big.

...When I first started regularly using my gym I decided to have a session with one of the in house trainers. It was very interesting to discuss the correct ways to get fitter and losing weight, and believe me it's best to increase your fitness sensibly and then set your targets for losing weight. The main suggestion from the trainer was to use a heart rate monitor and to learn how train your heart, therefore increasing your overall fitness. The monitor involves wearing a chest strap that transmits your heart rate to the cardio vascular machine you are using. Taking this advice up I rented a monitor from the gym and really started to enjoy my training sessions, as there was a real purpose and target for the exercise. I was given my own heart rate monitor for my Birthday, the York Trainer 220. This is one of the more reasonably priced... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great in all Conditions
Disadvantages: Price

...Mitre a great football used by many people to play the best football with.Mitre is extremly proper with people around the world to be the football they train with. This ball here is no exception he official training ball of the Confederation of Futebol de Salào. The ball designed for many great things for the magic of the foot whilst playing the beautiful game. It helps you balance and keep good control on the ball and is also made to help develop close control footwork. So that means more skills and a much better game of football whilst playing with this ball. The game tested out on all type of condition pitches has proven to be a ball which can last on al surfaces such as astroturfs even muddy enviroments so this ball to say the least is well worh its value. Overall Mitre balls never disappoint for their value on their great... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Just like having your own personal trainer
Disadvantages: A little tricky to work out to start with

...Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor This is the second heart rate monitor that i have bought, the first one was years ago and on the rare occaision it did pick up your pulse it went completely wrong if you were near anything electrical or any other heart rate monitors. Bearing this in mind i was a liitle wary of getting another but i have currently started training to complete a half marathon and depending on how well it goes i may enter a full marathon so i thought it was high time i got myself kitted out. I have to say, times have definately changed, this monitor just everything you could ever ask (except for the running)! The Polar RS100 heart rate monitor has its own code to avoid unwanted interference meaning you can be in a room with ten other monitors and yours is the only pulse it picks up It features an easy press lap... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great machine for developing fitness and losing weight
Disadvantages: Repetition of movement, boredom

...The Concept 2 is the best rowing machine available and can be found in nearly every gym around the world. It is used by people looking for some light exercise and rowers around the world to train for their sport, even at the highest Olympic level. Benefits of the Concept 2 rowing machine Rowing strengthens upper and lower body with a smooth powerful motion. The movement is impact free and uses nearly all muscle groups, hence teaches co-ordination and elevates the heart rate more easily than other activities. Training on the Concept 2 rowing machine is great to lose weight (see examples at bottom), gain fitness and build muscle. The machines last forever and do not break unless they are treated really badly, you are more likely to break than the machine. The low impact form of exercise enable recovery from injury and self... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great range of facilities at good prices & good accessibility
Disadvantages: Maintenance could be better & they could respond to feedback more

...on one of the neighbouring roads or, rarely, at the large car park at the Savacentre hypermarket, located a few minutes walk away at Bell Green. The leisure centre car park has 7 designated disabled parking spaces, right by the front doors, and also ample space for bicycles and motorcycles. GETTING THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: For those who don't live in the immediate vicinity, the nearest train station is Lower Sydenham, located a 5 minute walk away, south down Kangley Bridge Road. The area immediately surrounding the station is largely industrial and, should you be using the station in the evenings, please bear in mind that it may be a little dark and unpopulated. The station is also only staffed at peak times. Trains run north in the Lewisham and Central London direction and south in the Beckenham... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Complimentary drinks, excellent facilities, friendly well trained staff
Disadvantages: Could be a little expensive for some

...A multitude of machines and numerous friendly staff make this gym franchise the best I’ve ever been to. They take a great interest in your personal health and enjoyment of their gym. The classes are run by the highly trained staff (cutting down on membership prices) and the gym also employs a couple of personal trainers for that extra training benefit if you need it. I’m a member of the Coventry branch which is situated behind a small shopping complex on the outskirts of the town, but very near Warwick University (which I'm a student at.) First impressions ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I joined on the recommendation of a friend and the moment I stepped through the door I felt that I was about to join a very exclusive members only club. Everything from the lounge and bar area to the changing rooms is well decorated and comfortable... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Luxurious gym, friendly staff, great equipment
Disadvantages: A bit more expensive than other gyms and exercise still hurts

...of space and that there are good facilities for her toddler. The gym floor There are excessive numbers of cardiovascular machine and I have never seen all of a single type of machine used at any point, with normally only half of the machines being used. There are approximately 25 runners, 25 bikes, 25 cross trainers and 10 rowing machines. So you have no excuse to building up a sweat, unfortunately. The television selection in front of these machines includes eurosport, BBC news 24, MTV and something else normally and you will always be able to see the screen as they are massive (6 foot across each?) It really helps when you are prone to getting bored when doing the fitness work that burns off the weight, I like to watch (and listen with headphones available there) a TV programme or maybe even a film whilst I'm training as the elapse... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: You can use any gym in the country
Disadvantages: Housekeeping not always in order

...or two, but most decent gyms these days will offer a range of products and services to suit the ever changing needs and demands of society. One reason I have stayed with the same gym for so long, besides the fact I have tried the comeptition and am happy with what I have, is the fact that I can see the club evolving and changing and trying new things, which means I can tailor my own health & fitness programme / plans around this. I have also in the last year or more intorduced a couple of friends and work colleagues to the gym, and it is oddly motivating just knowing they are there at the same time as you, even if you are not training together. Fitness First, and most gyms for that matter, are always on the look out for new members, as they rarely ever reach maximum membership numbers and rarely do they turn members away because the gym... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Get fit, get toned, shape up, start enjoying exercise
Disadvantages: A lot of sweat is usually involved

...Before I go any further, for sample clips of a class and more info, go to: www.squidoo.com/bodyattack INTRODUCTION: The idea of going along to something called 'Body Attack' doesn't sound incredibly appealing, does it? Well, let me tell you, once you've had a go, the sense of achievement and sense of 'you've done something that is good for you', makes you feel GRRrrrreat. So, what is it?...Body Attack is a high energy, intense cardio vascular exercise programme (created by fitness company, BTS) that is run in many gyms across the UK. THE PROGRAMME: The programme is specially designed by BTS (Body Training Systems, which are part of The Les Mills company). Basically, they create the exercise routines (or 'programmes' as they known) and train instructors across the UK, how to teach them, who then in turn, run... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful