Life Fitness X3-5 Elliptical Trainer Review
We reviewed and used the Life Fitness X3-5 elliptical trainer over a period of 3 weeks. We also interviewed Life Fitness X3-5 owners as well as several people who had used the elliptical trainer in the gym or fitness center. The X3-5 is a step up from the old X3-0 model and has many top of the line features. However for an MSRP of about $2900.00 it is beyond the budget of the average home fitness equipment buyer. We found that the Life Fitness elliptical trainers top feature was the very smooth ride comes from its rear flywheel that incorporates the Life Fitness “Link6″ drive system.The Life Fitness X3-5 elliptical trainers 19-inch stride fits most people. Our largest tester is a power lifter at 6’2″ and 285 lbs and he felt the trainer was relatively stable. Pedal placement is good and allows comfortable foot placement. X3-5 owners and users were pleasantly impressed with how quiet this elliptical trainer is even during an intensive workout it remained one of the quietist ellipticals that we have tested. One owner did complain that this model was hard to move.There are many quality features on the Life Fitness X3-5 that we like including the wireless heart rate controlled workout system that allows you to target specific workout intensity. Basically your hearts response to the workout, controls the resistance levels you experience during the workout. Basically it is a plug and play workout program tailored to your specific body.The Life Fitness X3-5 elliptical trainers console contains the My Personal Trainer software that allows you focus on lower body workouts or total body workouts. We heard several comments on these features with the most common being that it worked well once you spent the time to figure out the system. Most people were using one of the 12 standard workout programs to achieve the workout intensity they desired. We rated the upper body workout and the handlebars as just average on this elliptical.Most of the Life Fitness X3-5 owners we interviewed purchased their elliptical trainers on-line. The units were delivered and set up by the owners with few problems. Damaged or non functioning consoles seem to be the biggest complaint we heard. Customer service was rated as fair in resolving setup and warranty issues. The Life Fitness warranty for cross traines includes a lifetime on the frame, 2-years on the electrical and mechanical parts, 1-year on labor. An extended warranty is recommended for all elliptical trainers.We recommend the Life Fitness X3-5 elliptical trainer for home and light commercial use, however it is probably too expensive for most in home applications. It has many features that will satisfy the most dedicated cardio fitness buf. Due to the relatively high cost for an in home elliptical trainer, we recommend that you spend the time to physically test ride any fitness equipment at least once before you make your purchase. Find a dealer, fitness center or local Y that has the Life Fitness X3-5 set up and complete an intense workout. we also suggest that you question X3-5 users at these fitness centers as well. Only then will you know for sure that the Life Fitness X3-5 will meet your fitness needs.
Why Cloud Storage is a Better Idea for Small Businesses
Like big businesses, small businesses have varied requirements from infrastructure, IT deployment, daily operation, and manpower to data management. However unlike big businesses, small businesses have budget constraints that often limit their scope of expansion and expenditures in the needful projects. Despite the limitations it doesn’t mean that small businesses do not have options. In fact there is a plethora of options available for small businesses to fulfill their wide-ranging business requirements.One of such options is cloud storage, also called as online storage, for data management, which is the biggest need of small businesses. Cloud storage is an answer to all the prayers related to data backup and restore of small businesses which are more prone to data loss/damage as compared to large businesses. According to a survey, 70% of the small businesses shut down within one year of their operations after they suffer major data. According to a survey conducted by Sage North America, about 62% small companies do not have a proper disaster recovery plan in place for safety from catastrophic disasters, man-made debacles, accidental deletions, thefts, power outages, hardware failure. In the same survey, it was concluded that around 33% of the businesses do not have data backup and recovery plans in place because there hasn’t been observed any catastrophic disasters or emergencies in their areas while around 30% said that “have never thought about it”. Around 28% of the participants said that they regularly back up their data because they have major data losses in the past.This is the poorest scenario for any small business that needs to be able to run properly without facing operational hitches which may occur and recue in the absence of a proper data backup and recovery plan. If you run a small business from your home or office, you can understand how vital it is to keep your data organized and safe to be able to meet the tailor-made demands to your clients, protect your business ideas and information from competitors, and from employees who might take advantage of your personal or professional information for monetary purposes among other things.The question that arises here is ‘why small businesses do not pay attention to data backup and recovery plans when they cannot prevent a tornado or other such catastrophic disasters, accidental deletions, thefts, power outages, or hardware failure for that matter from occurring’? Small businesses may be taking this risk because data management is not affordable for them. Besides, regular data backups and recoveries on several devices involve lots of hassles that put them off from maintaining proper data management plans. However with the onset of cloud storage, it has become extremely convenient and affordable for small businesses to maintain data. Businesses can back up their data as many times as they want and access it anytime, anywhere from their computers, Smartphones, tablets, servers, and networks etc. connected to the Internet.Since your data is stored in a cloud server, which is the only place for all your digital possessions viz. emails, contacts, documents, images, family videos, music numbers, social network updates, and bank details etc., the cost of regularly data backups and recoveries drastically come down. It’s is because you don’t have to use multiple hard disks and/or USB devices to store your data. In the cloud server, your data is stored once and forever. You can access, add, delete, edit, re-edit, backup and restore your business data as many times as you want without going through the lengthy and cumbersome procedure.In fact the data stored in a cloud server remains protected and safe from the tactics of hackers. Besides, cloud storage services are scalable as you can store higher volumes of data according to your needs. With cloud storage, it only takes a computer, server or mobile device with an active Internet connection or Wi-Fi to be able to manage the data. Such a flexibility and convenience is absent from the external storage media on which the cost of backing up and recovering data is also very high, in fact the highest.Considering that cloud storage is the only contemporary, affordable, and viable solution for small businesses and users, several major tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Netgear, and McAfee among others have come up with integrated cloud storage. Cloud storage is around 1,000 times more affordable than the external backup media whose reliability and safety are always at risk due to environment, physical conditions, catastrophic emergencies, accidental deletions, thefts, and other contingencies. Thus, if you own a small business, make sure that you cloud-power your data. It’s your choice to keep spending big money on the external storage media or spend only once and forever with a cloud storage services. It’s your choice if you want peace of mind or want to constantly run around losing business, clients, and money.
Health Insurance Buyer’s Guide
Buying Shopping for health insurance can leave many people confused. Knowing which insurance company to choose or which insurance plan is the best may seem daunting impossible. But once you know the basics of health insurance, choosing the right health insurance plan is simple easy.This article will provide some of the most basic and helpful tools and explanations for health insurance shoppers. First, it is important to learn about helps to understand the different types of health insurance plans and their benefits and drawbacks. Plans differ in the amount you pay out-of-pocket, which doctors you can visit, and how the your insurance bills are paid. Besides just helping you choose the most efficient and cost-effective plan, we’ll teach you about another way you can save on health insurance: a Health Savings Account. Additionally, it is important to learn about dental insurance as well. Many health insurance plans do not include dental insurance under their benefits, so we’ll go over how to shop for and obtain separate dental coverage. Then it is important to learn about ways you can save on health insurance. There are several ways you can save including Health Savings Accounts and Discount Cards. LastlyAnd finally, don’t forget to compare plans before you make your decisionwe’ll explain why it’s so important to put your new knowledge to good use by comparing health insurance plans.Types of Health Insurance PlansHealth Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans Generally, HMOs have low or even no deductible and the co-payments will be relatively comparatively low as well. You pay a monthly premium that gives you access to coverage for doctor appointments, hospital stays, emergency care, tests, x-rays and therapy. You will have to choose a primary care physician (PCP) within your insurance provider’s network of physicians, and in order to see a specialist you need to receive a referral from your PCP. Under an HMO plan, only visits to doctors and hospitals with the insurance company’s network of providers are covered; you’ll have to pay for visits if you go to an out-of-network doctors or hospitals your insurance will not cover the costs.Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans Under a PPO plan, you will use the insurance company’s network of doctors and hospitals for any services or supplies you need. These healthcare providers have been contracted by the insurance company to provide services at a discounted rate. Generally, you will be able to choose doctors and specialists within this network without having to choose a primary care physician or get a referral. Before the insurance company will start paying for your medical bills you will usually need to pay an annual deductible. Also, you may have a co-payment for some services or be required to cover a percentage of the total medical bill.Point of Service (POS) Plans A POS plan is a combination of the features offered by HMO and PPO plans. You are required to choose a primary care physician, whose services are not usually subject to a deductible, but your PCP can refer you to out-of-network specialists whose services will be partially covered by your insurance company. Additionally, POS plans usually offer coverage for preventive healthcare, which includes regular checkups. Your PCP will be able to give you referrals for any specialists. If these specialists are out-of-network you will need to pay out-of-pocket and then apply for reimbursement from the insurance company. With a POS plan you will benefit from some of the savings of an HMO and will have greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, similar to PPO.Dental Insurance It is important to get a dental insurance plan along with your health insurance plan. In order to keep your teeth and gums health you need regular visits to the dentist. Without dental insurance, the cost of dentist appointments will be much higher making it difficult to keep up with the payments. Dental insurance is similar to health insurance in that each month you pay a premium, which entitles you to certain dental benefits. Benefits include checkups, cleanings, x-rays, and other dental services. There are plans that may cover dental implants, oral surgery and orthodontia, but they will be more expensive. Like health insurance, plans are categorized into indemnity and managed-care plans. If you choose an indemnity plan you will have a broader choice of dental care providers to choose from. You won’t have to choose one primary dentist and generally, you won’t need to acquire referrals. In order for the insurance company to cover your dental expenses you will need to send them a claim before they reimburse you for covered services. As a result, you will have to pay more out-of-pocket with an indemnity plan, but you will have more flexibility in choosing which dentists you visit. On the other hand, managed-care plans will provide you with a dental provider network and you will need to visit dentists within this network in order to get coverage for these services. With a dental care network, the insurance company has arranged pre-negotiated rates that you will receive when you visit these dentists. With a managed-care plan, the dentists will submit the claim for you, lowering your out-of-pocket expenses.Save on Health Insurance Health Savings Account Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are tax-free savings accounts designed to help consumers pay for healthcare services while limiting premium expenses for unwanted benefits. The plans have lower premiums and higher deductibles than other insurance plans because they offer fewer benefits and require you to use the money in your HSA to pay for certain qualified medical services. However, if you don’t need to visit the doctor frequently and don’t anticipate requiring regular medical attention, HSA plans are a cost-effective method of insuring against the worst without paying for coverage you won’t use. In order to open an HSA, you’ll need to have an HSA-compatible health insurance plan. You may only use the funds in your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses. Usually, your HSA plan will have a deductible that, once met, requires your insurance company to pay for any additional qualified medical expenses for the rest of the year.Dental Insurance Health insurance typically does not cover dental services, but in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need regular visits to the dentist. Without dental insurance, regular dentist appointments can prohibitively expensive. Make sure your mouth is covered by shopping for both health and dental insurance. Dental insurance is similar to health insurance in that each month you pay a premium, which entitles you to certain dental benefits. Benefits include checkups, cleanings, x-rays, and other dental services. There are plans that may cover dental implants, oral surgery and orthodontia, but they will be more expensive. Like health insurance, plans are categorized into indemnity and managed-care plans. If you choose an indemnity plan you will have a broader choice of dental care providers to choose from. You won’t have to choose one primary dentist and generally, you won’t need to acquire referrals for special services. In order for the insurance company to cover your dental expenses you will need to send them a claim for reimbursement. You’ll end up paying more out-of-pocket with an indemnity plan, but you will have more flexibility in choosing which dentists you visit. By contrast, managed-care plans limit you to the doctors and services within a dental services network, and you will need to visit doctors within this network in order to get coverage for their services. Within the dental care network, your insurance company has arranged pre-negotiated rates that you will receive when you visit dentists in the network. Your dentist will submit your insurance claim for you, keeping your out-of-pocket expenses lower than with an indemnity plan.Compare the Plans Comparing insurance plans is an important step in buying health insurance. It will save you money in the long run if you take the time to compare premium prices, out-of-pocket costs, plan benefits, the network of physicians available with different plans, and the quality of insurance providers. If you have a favorite physician, make sure your health insurance covers visits to him or her. If you don’t need to see the doctor very often, don’t pay a high premium for low office visit copayments. Health insurance plans are designed to address specific healthcare needs, and you’ll save money and get the most effective coverage by comparing plans to find the health insurance plan that best fits your budget and lifestyle.
Overview of ‘Make in India’ Automotive Sector Report 2016
The Government of India recently released the Make in India Automotive Sector report towards highlighting the progress of the Automotive Sector in terms of production enhancements as a result of the policies adopted by the Government of India. As per this report all the major parameters of manufacturing progress which are production, exports and sales have seen a healthy increase and has shown an impressive growth momentum. The most important Key Takeaways from the report are:
Improved InfrastructureThe leading Automobile companies of the world, such as Isuzu Motors, Ford Motors, Tata Motors and Suzuki Motors etc. have invested quite heavily in the sector thereby creating huge manufacturing capabilities to take on much larger orders from across the globe. Whereas Isuzu, Tata, Force Motors, Suzuki, Mercedes Benz and Magneti Mareli all came up with their new plants in the last two years, many other companies have set up Research and Development centres towards development of more models and newer technologies.Rise in Production, Exports and Sales
All the three parameters of Production, Exports and Sales showed healthy increases with the Production increasing by 2.6% in FY 015-2106 with a total production output of 23,960,940 vehicles. At the same time, the sale of passenger vehicles increased by 7.24% in FY 2015-16 with the utility vehicles growing at 6.25%, Vans at 3.58% and Passenger Cars at 7.87%. The commercial vehicles segment grew at a robust 11.51% with medium and heavy commercial vehicles segment growing the fastest, at 29.91% over the previous year. Similarly, three wheeler sales grew by 1.03%, two wheelers by 3.01% along with a healthy increase in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles. The automobile exports also great at 1.91% in spite of the tough global economic environment. Two wheelers accounted for the largest share of exports at 69.4% in FY2015-2016. The auto component industry also grew by 8.8% contributing 4% to the overall Exports of the country.Fiscal Incentives by the Government
There were several incentives offered to the Automobile manufacturing companies to promote the industry in a big way. The Excise duty on chassis of ambulance was reduced from 24% to 12.5% the incentives on the electric and hybrid vehicles were also given by way of reduces excise duties. Along with these various incentives were given to the creation of skilled manpower in the sector through the Automotive Skill Development Council as well as increasing the budget outlay of National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) TO 3727 Crores in July 2016.As is evident, the Government of India has been promoting the automotive production in this country in a big way and has taken various steps towards capacity building and research and development to increase global competencies in the automotive sector. This Automotive Sector Report offers a detailed insight into all these efforts of the Government and the Industry.
Nutritional Supplements Review – Are They Working for You?
The words nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals are heard over and over in the newspapers, magazines and TV commercials of this 21st century world. More and more people are aware of their need for daily nutritional supplements. It is true that nutritional supplements are absolutely necessary for our body, because we live in a fast food society and our diet has deteriorated due to over processed food. Also, environmental pollution and soil depletion on the farm makes it impossible to obtain optimal nutrition through diet alone. Let’s review your nutritional supplements and find out if they really are working for you.We need to be aware that nutritional supplement products gradually loose potency and contain less vitamins and/or minerals than when they were manufactured at the factory. A bottle of nutritional supplements has much less value after it sits on the shelf in a drug store or health food store for a long time.Another factor to consider, which is even more perplexing, is that we cannot be sure of what is actually inside the bottle. It is a scary thought that we may be taking pills made of the dry wall material instead of vitamins and minerals. We all remember the fake medicine and pills imported from China which was on the news several months ago.To review if your nutritional supplements are working, examine your health conditions before and after you start taking them. Taking the right nutritional supplement makes you feel different as your body begins responding. Maybe not right away, but within three or four months of consistent usage, you will begin to notice some changes. The following is just a few examples of what we hear from people who are using the right nutritional supplements:o Increased energy and a generally younger feeling.o Much less susceptible to catching a common cold or even the flu.o Reduced symptoms involving pollen and other allergies and even eliminated the runny nose.o Reduced or eliminated asthma symptoms.o Digestive system got stronger and reduced the level of lactose intolerance symptoms.o Reduced pain and inflammation of the joints.If you have been taking a nutritional supplement and are wondering why you are not feeling any better, you can compare your nutritional supplement against others in the marketplace. The “Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements” by Lyle MacWilliam lists over 500 vitamin supplements produced in U.S. and in Canada and compares them using easy to look up bar charts. In this book you can see a graph for each nutritional supplement product. Each bar in the graph represents a single nutrient and shows the percentage of what an optimal level for each nutrient is. It is likely that your nutritional supplements brand is in this book and you can determine for yourself if it meets your expectations in term of quality and expected results.I hope this will help you to review and learn more about your daily nutritional supplements.
Understanding Car Financing
When you want to purchase a car, one of the main considerations is financing. This is because many people do not have the initial high amounts of money, which are required to meet the cost of the car. One thing you should note about Car financing is that it is very hard to quantify, it is determined by many other factors such as the type of car that you want to purchase, the price tag and the possibility of a trade-in. All these mean that you will be offered different finance packages by different organizations, and it is your duty to choose the most appropriate one.The best way to approach car financingWith all the factors involved, Car financing becomes a very complicated issue, which needs proper understanding of the financial world. Since most of us do not posses such skills or information, the best approach would be to involve the services of a car finance broker. The broker will assist you in all the areas associated with car financing. Remember car financing, just as any other form of financing will require various paperwork. In most cases, people are already overwhelmed by their daily lives, it is therefore better to leave the broker to fulfill the formalities helping you secure the loan.Some people obviously benefit more than others do from this arrangement. One of the groups that will benefit mostly from the services of a car-financing broker is those who are self-employed. This is because most of them cannot produce satisfactory historical profit figures to satisfy the financial provider. The duty of the broker is therefore to find institutions, which are more likely to offer better terms. The broker is also going to help you negotiate for better terms just like those offered to people who provide sufficient history of profitable trading.Since car financing brokers deal in only one type of financial product, they have a clear understanding regarding the product. They also use specialized tools such as car loan calculators, which will help you, understand the long-term effects of the loan that you take. Remember a loan might seem cheap now but present adverse effects later on. You will therefore enjoy more piece of mind depending on the advice provided by such specialists.Apart from using the services of a broker, you can also source your car financing online. This method presents you with various banking institutions to source your financing from. In order to exploit this dimension fully, you need to have a clear understanding of what sort of deal you are getting into. Luckily, there are certain tools, which you can utilize to help you gain a deeper understanding of the loan you are acquiring. They include:• Car finance calculator- this will help you get a clear picture of what you will be paying every month. It will also help you understand how long it will take before you can repay the loan.• Chattel mortgage calculator- you can also utilize this calculator, which acts the same as the car finance calculator but on terms, attached to chattel mortgages rather than general loans.