Using a Balance Trainer Just Got Easier

Have you seen our videos on YouTube? You'll learn new ways to use equipment that will give you a better, more intense workout.

Working Out, Together

We're proud to announce that JJ Virgin, a renowned fitness and nutrition expert, has teamed up with Harbinger Fitness. You might know her from TLC's Freaky Eaters television show or from her various appearances on early morning television. This time, JJ Virgin has put together a series of workouts, the 4X4 Workouts she calls them, to get people up and off the couch. Using Harbinger gear, she has developed this fitness program and is offering the first two videos for everyone. Check them out on YouTube.

How Important is Cardiovascular Cross-training? Part 1 by Michael George

Here is the first in a series of training blog posts by Harbinger friend, Michael George. Whenever possible, we like to bring you some of the top fitness experts in the country, like Michael, who trains celebrities, athletes and just regular folks, too! In this first installment, Michael focuses on shoulders, so grab your Harbinger weighted fitness balls, cables or some dumbbells if you're working out at home, or similar equipment and a shoulder machine if you're at the gym.

Let us know how it goes!
-@HarbingerFit


The Perfect Shoulder
by Michael George, BS, NASM, ACE, AFAA

Believe it or not, it is a scientific fact that one of the first body parts you notice on another person is their shoulders. Are their shoulders broad, rounded and lean or non-existent, flat and slouched? You quickly pick up on the broadness and fullness of the shoulder muscle. You instantly perceive someone to be built, lean and tone even before your eyes hit their waistline.

As a celebrity trainer who has trained countless celebs for their big roles, the shoulders are the first area I target to build and sculpt that round, basketball effect. For women sculpted shoulders makes their arms look more toned and gives their arms length. The immediate perception of others is that the rest of her body follows suit. For men, a full, basketball shoulder provides the perception that their arms are much bigger than they really are. The lateral exercises instigate this illusion as they cut and chisel the shoulders.

Most men and women want full shoulders that are also toned and defined. If you’re one of them, here’s a great shoulder workout. Go heavier on the presses and lighter on the lateral raises (less weight, more reps) and you’ll achieve the look you want. You can have those full, cut, rounded shoulders too. Just follow this routine of 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions per exercise, 2 to 3 times per week for stronger, more sculpted and sexier shoulders.

Shoulder Press
You can do this exercise with a bar, dumbbells, cables or a shoulder machine. I prefer to use a combination of all three, though I spend more time with free weights, which conform to one’s body type and also allow for weak-point training. Start seated or standing in the bent-arm position. If you stand, make sure it is in a staggered stance, one foot is father back than the other for support, and to protect your lower back. Raise the weight over your head as you straighten your arms. Bring the weight back down so your arms are bent at 90 degrees. If you are using dumbbells, bring them together at the top for more of a squeeze. I like to mix it up by using dumb bells, barbell or a shoulder press machine. Doing so allows for more symmetrical shoulder development.

Side Lateral Raises
You can use dumbbells, cables or a machine. Start from seated or standing with your arms at your sides. If you stand, keep your knees slightly bent so you can’t cheat. With a 20-degree bend at the elbow, raise the weight out to your side no higher than eye level (to avoid injuring your rotator cuff) and hold for a beat. Then release, lower and repeat. I prefer to use light weights and do more reps. Side laterals really cut up your shoulders, giving you that attractive “V” indent.

Front Lateral Raises
You can use dumbbells, cables or a barbell for front lateral raises. You can start seated or standing with your arms at your sides and your wrists rotated 90 degrees so the backs of your hands face forward. If you stand, keep your knees bent slightly. With a 20-degree bend at the elbow, raise the dumb bell, cable or bar up to eye level keeping a slight bend at the elbow. Then release, lower and repeat.

Rear Lateral Raises
There are several exercises and variations that work the rear delts. It’s good to hit them from many angles. You can use dumbbells, cables or a pec dec machine. I really like bent-over dumbbell laterals. Stand with your knees bent 20 to 45 degrees, your back arched slightly and the dumbbells out in front of your body. Bring the dumbbells outward and back as far as you feel comfortable and hold for a beat then return them to the start position. Keep the dumbbells out in front of you at eye level, which makes for extra tension and faster results.

This is the optimal “perfect” shoulder workout whether you’re building, sculpting or just trying to improve your posture. The best news is that you can tackle all of these goals at the same time. If you have ever dreamed of having those Adonis shoulders that everyone else envies this is your chance and this is the program that will take you there.

Harbinger Fitness Glove Size Chart

If you're a winner of Harbinger Fitness FlexFit™ Gloves in our Twitter Giveaway today - you will need to know what size to request.

Please send your glove size and mailing information to HarbingerFit@gmail.com.


Cheers!
-@HarbingerFit

Mobile Gym - Harbinger Fitness Accessories

Summer is upon us and it's a great time to get out of the gym, but still maintain your personal fitness routine.

Why not take your Harbinger Fitness training equipment outdoors this summer for some fresh air and vitamin D?

Selene Yaeger is a Health Journalist and recently wrote an article in Prevention Magazine which gave outdoor fitness examples entitled, "Summer Strength Training."

"You can skip the gym and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine without sacrificing a firm body. The sculpted arms, tight abs, and toned legs that normally come from gym workouts are still possible without picking up a dumbbell or staying indoors."

Harbinger suggest you mix up your gym routine with some mobile Harbinger Fitness accessories that can withstand the outdoors. Along with any other hand held Harbinger Fitness product, we suggest the following for outdoor use:

The Rolled Durafoam Mat is perfect for offering a more comfortable surface during outdoor stretching, floor exercises and Pilates.

Try the Beaded Rope for cardio warm up that provides a smooth, consistent swing motion. This rope is highly durable so it's the perfect match for the outdoors.

If you're not a fan of push ups, then you haven't tried Harbinger's Push Up Bars that evenly distribute weight and increase comfort during training!

Maximize your muscle development with our Hand Grips. Designed to keep your hand in the proper position and prevent slippage when exercising.

Drop the metal free weights and grab a Harbinger Fitness Weighted Fitness Ball with Velcro Strap that offers a customized fit during lunges, abdominals, stretching and and leg curls.


Maximize the lifespan of your equipment! After you complete your sets, place your fitness accessories back inside to keep them away from the harsh rays of the sun. In between use, set products on soft surfaces. Avoid rocks, sidewalks or rough ground.


Happy Health,
Harbinger Fitness

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Harbinger Women's Power Gloves featured in Shape Australia "Shape Loves: Gym Bag Essentials"

The latest edition of Shape Australia hits stands today! In "Shape Loves: Gym Bag Essentials" the Harbinger Women's Power Gloves were noted to prevent unsightly calluses on your hands from lifting weights in your pump class.

The Women's Power Gloves were Specifically Designed for Women:
- Features slip on design for easy on and off.

- StretchBack™ Lycra™ that extends along the back of the hand and between the fingers increasing flexibility, comfort and fit, while improving breathability.

- Reinforced thumb, double leather palm, and fingers backed with foam, protect hands from training abrasion.

- Short finger length for a natural feel, and increased contact with the lifting surface.

- Hand wash and air dry.





To learn more about the benefits of wearing Harbinger Fitness Gloves, visit harbingerfitness.com and click on Gear Guides.



Tweet with us @HarbignerFit!
Like us on Facebook as Harbigner Fitness!

National Men's Health Week Harbinger Fitness Giveaway

Happy Fathers Day! Along with Dad's Day, National Men's Health Week is here - June 14 through the 20, 2010.

In honor of National Men's Health Week, Harbinger Fitness will be giving away a Strength Package ($107 SRP) to one lucky guy. One male will be chosen from the Harbinger Fitness Facebook Following (new and previous Fans qualify too) as the winner of the Strength Package.

Strength Package, SRP: $107
1. Training Grip WristWrap Gloves, SRP: $30USD, Sizes Available: S-XXL
2. Big Grip No-Slip Padded Lifting Straps, SRP: $12USD
3. 5” Nylon Belt, SRP: $20USD, Sizes available: S-XL
4. Deluxe Ab Straps, SRP: $45 USD

If you have a recommendation for a winner of the Strength Package - share their story with us on our Facebook Wall. We want to help you give the guy you love the recognition he deserves.


Happy Health,
-@HarbingerFit

Antimicrobial Technology

Nobody likes “Gym Germs.”

They not only spread nasty infections, but they keep the cute gym girls out of arms reach... if you know what we mean. :)

At Harbinger Fitness, we offer four core items that feature antimicrobial technology. They are the Men’s and Women’s FlexFit™ Gloves, the 5/8” Anti-Microbial Ribbed Mat and the newest addition, Anti-Microbial Speed Rope.

Harbinger’s antimicrobial technology has proven benefits in its ability to control micro-organisms, slow the degradation of products and greatly reduce odors and stains. And it does not wear off over time and use. Antimicrobial is a treatment that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

How is anti-microbial technology environmentally friendly? The discovery of antimicrobials like penicillin (naturally derived from mold) paved the way for better health for millions around the world. There are also many essential oils that naturally have anti-microbial activity, that include: Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil and Cinnamon Oil.

To learn more about the antimicrobial technology offered in Harbinger Fitness products visit our Harbinger Fitness website, Harbinger Fitness Facebook or Harbinger Fitness on Twitter.


-@HarbingerFit

Diet vs. Excerise on MSNBC.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Diet vs. Exercise

The June issue of Women's Health Magazine enlightens us that between diet and exercise, one may be more effective - depending on your health condition.

Looking to loss weight? Diet.
Looking for more energy? Exercise.

Harbinger Fitness Celebrates National Women's Health Week

Happy Mothers Day! Along with the day of celebrating Mothers, National Women's Health Week is here - May 9 - 15, 2010. How are you applauding the women in your life?

In honor of National Women's Health Week, Harbinger Fitness will be giving away a Women's Fitness Package to one lucky lady. One woman will be chosen from the Harbinger Fitness Facebook Following (previous Fans qualify too) as the winner of the Women's Fitness Package.

Women's Fitness Package:
Women's FlexFit Gloves
6lb. Weighted Fitness Ball
Eco-Fit Training Mat
Training Ball
Balance Trainer

If you have a recommendation for a winner of the Women's Fitness Package - share your story with us on our Facebook Wall. We want to help you give the women you love the recognition they deserve.


Happy Health,
-@Harbinger Fit

Harbinger Fitness Anti-Microbial Rope in Women's Health

Harbinger Fitness Anti-Microbial Rope was featured in Women's Health Magazine's "Get A Knockout Bod" May issue! See link for 8 don't-mess-with-me moves to get tight and toned...

Harbinger Fitness Note: The description says, "Harbinger Speed Rope $10" but the photo is actually the "Harbinger Anti-Microbial Rope $12" available at amazon.com. Either way - we are excited to be in Women's Health Magazine again!!

Every 100th purchaser of JJ Virgin's "Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy" WINS!

Recently, Harbinger Fitness was able to connect with fitness celeb, JJ Virgin. Virgin is a celebrity health and fitness expert and the author of the new book, "Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy" (Simon & Schuster). She is also a spokesperson for Emergen-C, Subway and spent two seasons as a health expert on “The Dr. Phil Show.” She is the co-star of the TLC reality series, Freaky Eaters.

Virgin is doing a pre-sale of her book that automatically enters you into a drawing - every 100th purchaser WINS a prize from Virgin's sponsors (like Harbinger Fitness)! Get "Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy" before it comes out May 18, 2010. Visit www.sixweekstosleevelessandsexy.com to pre-order your own copy (it's less than $10!) and claim a free audio download “My Top Ten Tips to Get Slim and Sexy Fast” (a $14.95 value).

Here's a glimpse of what's inside "Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy"...

Want Hot Arms? Then Head to the Kitchen!

By JJ Virgin

Of course, the right exercise is crucial for shaping slim & sexy arms but it is only one part of my integrated program for creating the arms and body of your dreams. You must also feed your arms so that you are building muscle while burning off the fat. I am sharing three of my top tips from Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy that you can put into action right away.

How to "Feed Your Arms":

1. Drink up. Be sure to drink eight or more glasses of pure spring water in-between meals to keep your appetite at bay, support metabolism and burn fat. Don't drink more than a few ounces with your meals because too much water during meals can dilute stomach acid and impair digestion. Drinking pure spring water throughout the rest of your day will also help your stress hormones stay balanced as even mild dehydration can raise stress hormones. And remember sodas, coffee and sugary sports drinks pretending to be water do not count as your daily water intake.

2. Eat a substantial breakfast. Research shows that people who eat a substantial balanced breakfast of clean lean protein, high fiber carbs and healthy fat lose more weight AND keep it off. Make a little time in the morning and indulge in a satisfying meal that will keep you going for hours. By the way, you don't need to eat "breakfast" for breakfast. If you want a turkey wrap for breakfast, then enjoy! 3. Follow your workout with clean lean protein and a high fiber carb. The amino acids from protein support muscle growth and recovery, plus your body uses carbs to refuel your muscle stores of energy (glycogen) to set you up for success during your next workout. Please skip the sports nutrition bars, which I always dub "adult candy bars." And remember: Just because you worked out doesn't mean it's okay to saddle up to Ben or Jerry.

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day 2010 and Win Harbinger's Eco-Fit Training Mat

Earth Day 2010 is next Thursday, April 22. To celebrate this day of action we will be giving away our latest innovation in mats, the Eco-Fit Training Mat.

The Eco-Fit Training Mat is ideal for fitness activities like floor exercises, Pilates and stretching; the mat boasting a combination of winning elements and eco-friendly features is more than an appropriate giveaway for Earth Day 2010.

We must reach 200 Fans on Facebook before a winner is chosen at random - so, become a Fan of Harbinger Fitness on Facebook and tell your friends to do the same!



More about the Eco-Fit Training Mat:
Harbinger's Eco-Fit Training Mats "dual-layer" foam construction enhances the two best features of any mat - comfort and function. The closed cell foam is 25 percent more lightweight than traditional foam mats and is only 3/8 inches thick, while providing the same level of cushioning as thicker mats. The top layer's innovative no-slip pattern helps prevents injuries and strains, while the second layer with no-skid traction ridges grips the floor. Together, the dual-layer technology makes workouts more comfortable and safe.

The Eco-Fit Training Mat includes a removable strap that makes carrying and storing easier by keeping the mat compact. The top layer of closed cell foam can be easily wiped down, washed and dried while the entire mat is 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable. The Eco-Fit Training Mat is currently available online at amazon.com and the suggested retail price for the mat is $40.

Harbinger FITNESS WEAPON Contest Winner

The contest ended on April 2, 2010 but we couldn't wait until April 9 to announce the FITNESS WEAPON Winners... Our 1st, 2nd and 3rd place FITNESS WEAPON winners have been selected:

Congratulations to Michael Sorensen, Rob Smith and Samual Pogue!!









P.S. EVERYONE was a FITNESS WEAPON winner!!! Each participant will receive a pair or Men's or Women's Harbinger FlexFit Gloves.


-@HarbingerFit

Harbinger Fitness FlexFit Gloves giveaway from @pri_barros

Harbinger has been teaming up with Bloggers from around the world to offer their followers free Harbinger Fitness products. After a blogger expresses interest in our brand, reviews a product of their choice, snaps some pics and presents a giveaway plan - the blogging begins!

The current giveaway is a pair of Harbinger Fitness FlexFit Gloves from Priscila Barros in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Priscila is a self-titled Beauty Blogger who has enjoyed Harbinger products for years. As soon as @pri_barros gets 700 Twitter followers, Priscila will choose a winner of the FlexFit Gloves. You can read about Priscila's giveaway on her wordpress blog, pribarros.wordpress.com.



If you are a blogger and you're interested in hosting a Harbinger Fitness giveaway, contact HarbingerFit@gmail.com or send us a tweet at @HarbingerFit.

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What's Your FITNESS WEAPON of Choice?

Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers of Harbinger Fitness have the opportunity to win 1 of 3 Harbinger Fitness Packages by showing us their FITNESS WEAPON of Choice!

1st Place: Strength Package, valued at $115.00. Includes Training Grip WW Gloves, 65cm Training Ball, 2lb. Weighted Rope and Anti-Microbial Mat.

2nd Place: Anti-Microbial (AM) Package, valued at $70.00. Includes AM FlexFit Gloves, AM Mat and AM Rope.

3rd Place: Core Package, valued at $40.00. Includes Medium Resistance Cable and 65cm Training Ball.

Before you email us your submission, you must tweet @HarbingerFit or write on the Harbinger Fitness Facebook Wall to be eligible. Then, email a photo or video clip of you and your most beloved FITNESS WEAPON! Video must be under 2:00 in length. Email your submission to HarbingerFit@gmail.com before April 2, 2010 at midnight.

See event for details at "What's Your FITNESS WEAPON of Choice?" on Facebook.

Winners will be announced April 9, 2010!


Good luck!!
@HarbingerFit

How-To #2: Core Strength Builder

Do you know how important core strength is, but just don’t know how to go about building it? Here is one simple exercise to get you started. All you need is a Training Ball and a little floor space!

Training Ball Crunch:

a) Lie on the ball with it centered under your lower back, feel flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart.

b) Fold arms across your chest.

c) Curl your upper torso up and in until your shoulder blades – not your back – are off the ball.

d) Focus on the contraction in your abs for two seconds, then slowly return to your start position.

~ 8 reps is a good place for beginners to start – and build up from there! ~

Harbinger’s Training Ball can also be used to build core strength through leg curls, leg crunches, push ups, wall sits, and buttocks lifts.

Just go to www.harbingerfitness.com, select Gear Guides, and then select an accessory from the Choose a Guide drop-down menu to download your training guide (pdf). Each training guide has general guidelines on how to use each Harbinger accessory.

Ready? Set? Start!

How-To #1: You can have a ball and get fit, too!

Just because the equipment is pretty, doesn't mean it's not going to give you an effective workout. Harbinger's Weighted Fitness Balls are to be taken seriously.


1. Walking Lunges

Start by standing with legs shoulder width apart. Hold fitness ball in front of you with both hands at hip level. Lunge forward with one leg and move the ball to that hip, keeping core straight ahead. Pressing through the front foot, bring back foot forward to standing position, and bring ball back to the front. Repeat on the other side, walking across the floor.

2. Hamstring curls
Now that you're a bit tired from all those lunges, lie down! That's right - lie flat on your back with your knees at a 90-degree angle and your heels on top of the training ball. Keeping your heels on top of the ball, raise your hips straight up into a bridge position. Maintaining your core in this position, push the ball out and back under your hips while your feet roll across the top of the ball. To increase the challenge, bring your hands to your hips, or straight up toward the ceiling.

3. Reverse Butterflies
Stand back up and grab a big Harbinger training ball. Place it in front of you and put two weighted fitness balls on the floor in front of the training ball. Place your chest and stomach on the training ball, balancing on the balls of your feet or toes with your shoulders extended out over the floor. Pick up a weighted fitness ball in each hand and extend your arms out to your sides, elbows slightly bent. Lift balls straight up, squeezing your shoulder blades together and keeping the training ball beneath you as still as possible. Bring weighted fitness balls back down slowly, almost to the floor, before raising them again in a reverse butterfly motion.

There are plenty of other exercise tips for other muscle groups, which you can find at www.harbingerfitness.com. Just click on Gear Guides and select Weighted Fitness Balls from the pull-down menu. Have...a ball!