TODAY'S BEST FITNESS GEAR Here's what it takes to get a real workout without joining a health club. We'll show you how to set up your home-exercise area and identify what equipment you'll need, with insider's information on how to shop for and get the most out of it. Consumers Digest January/February 2001 © by Gary Legwold          A common fault among many consumers is buying on impulse. As a result, we often pay too much or buy what we really don't want. The good news with home exercise equipment is impulse buying is tough to do. The size of the machines and especially the price—most quality equipment starts at around $1,000—will make even the most impulsive to pause.          And pause we should. Attics, basements, and extra bedrooms all over the country are already cluttered with unused, originally expensive treadmills and stationary cycles that sell for a song at garage sales. Such deep discounts are the result of deep disappointments with fitness programs that flop after a few weeks.           "The tried-and-true exerciser straps on the Nikes and goes out for a workout no matter what the weather," says Peg Jordan, R.N., spokesperson for the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America. "Many—but certainly not all—of those who buy home exercise equipment have had several stops and starts with exercise."          Exercisers usually stop a fitness program because they lose interest and motivation, become injured, or cannot find the time. However, many exercisers have found that the convenience of exercising in the comfort of home has helped them start and stay with a fitness program. And plunking down big bucks for a treadmill and bringing it into your private personal space are acts of conviction; you are investing in your health and happiness in more than a half-hearted way. "Customers often think, ‘Hey, I just spent $2,000—I better use this machine!'" says Karl Omdahl, fitness consultant with 2 nd Wind in Richfield, Minn.          This article will help you use your home exercise machine and reap the rewards of your investment. We will walk you through some general advice on purchasing this equipment and then offer our Best Buy choices in treadmills, stair-steppers, stationary cycles, and elliptical machines. Before you leave home          Why are you doing this? You are about to spend a lot of moola on a machine, so you better figure out the real reasons. To lose weight? For health reasons? To relieve stress? To recover from injury or a heart attack? To train for a specific event? What are your goals? How much to you want to spend? Would you be better off exercising in a class of friends at a health club instead of exercising alone at home? Realistically, what machine do you see yourself using for years to come?           "If you don't address these kinds of questions up front, you are just buying a place to dry your clothes," says Gregory J. Florez, President and CEO of First Fitness, Inc., a Salt Lake City consulting firm to fitness equipment retailers and manufacturers. "You have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask: ‘When was I in shape in the past? What was I doing then? What is different now?'"          Determining the type of home exercise machine is personal. An exercise expert, a salesperson, spouse, or friend should not make your choice for you. "People ask me: ‘What is the best piece of equipment?' My answer is, ‘The one you use,'" says Jeff Kohl, of the Sonoma (Calif.) Mission Inn and Spa. Online help (sidebar) First Fitness, Inc., has developed GearAdvisor, an online questionnaire used by several companies to help customers determine what kind of home exercise machine will work best for them. To help you make a choice, go to one of these websites and answer the questions: http://www.bodytrends.com/toolsmenu.htm http://www.hebbindinc.com/treadmills/smart_select.html http://www.schwinn.com http://www.precor.com          Once you have an idea of the machine you want, check with your doctor; he or she may have other ideas. "A health screening may rule out certain types of exercise," says Mackie Shilstone, at the Elmwood Fitness Center in New Orleans. "Before you buy a $5,000 treadmill, hear what your doctor says. A simple visit to an orthopedist and you may discover that you cannot purchase this type of equipment because you have a knee problem."          You may also have a space problem. You may like an elliptical machine but may not like it's seven-foot length. Exercise machines are big, not necessarily very handsome, and can take over a room. Which room do you want to sacrifice to the takeover? Before you leave home, jot down the dimensions of the space you want the machine to occupy.          Noise is a factor. Some machines are noisier than others, which may sway your decision. "The old NordicTrack cross-country ski simulators were noisy and would have driven me crazy," says Julie McNeney, of The Fitness Group in Vancouver, BC. "If you were an early morning exerciser, you would have woken everybody up with that machine."          Ultimately, noise may determine if you actually use your exercise machine. Many exercisers who were dropouts in the past are now sticking with it because they can watch TV, read, listen to music, or go online while they work out. "Let's face it, exercise is extremely boring, and cardiovascular exercise is the most boring of all," says Richard Miller, President of the Gym Source in New York City. "If the TV helps you, great, but your exercise machine has to be quiet enough for you to hear."          Finally, before you leave the house to shop for your home exercise machine, firm up your financial commitment to fitness. "It is very easy to get to the store and spend more than you thought," says Kohl. You can buy equipment for less than $1,000, and a great time to buy is during the late summer and early fall clearance sales, before new models are released. Otherwise, prepare to see price tags of $2,000, $3,000, or even $5,000. Obviously, spending less for what you want is best, but in many cases it is best to spend more. "I've been in this business 20 years, and in general I have found that the cheaper the machine, the less you'll use it."           "You can get a $250 machine, set it up, and then quit in a few weeks," says Doug Stewart of Push Pedal Pull in Edina, Minn. "But I would rather you purchase quality. Not necessarily a $5,000 machine, but instead of a $250 cycle, buy one for $800. It will last longer, and you will stay longer with your fitness program." First stop: health club          This may seem like an odd first stop. After all, you cannot buy new exercise equipment at health clubs. Exactly. You can go there—as a visitor or by using the club's free trial period—and no one will attempt to sell you equipment. You are able to try different machines, make notes, and reconsider whether you even want a home exercise machine.           "You will pay a lot more for a home exercise machine than whatever it costs to join a health club," says Joe Cirulli, owner of the Gainesville (Florida) Health and Fitness Center. "With your own machine, you only have one piece of equipment, whereas with a club you have access to hundreds of machines. Plus, it is a lot more fun when people who exercise have a lot of people and a lot of misery around them."          So, a health club is an option. However, if you are still sold on going the home-exercise route, use your time at the club to hop on as many machines as possible. Note the brand names and models numbers as well as any features you like. Keep in mind these are commercial-grade machines that are more durable and expensive than home models. But after your workout, you will be able to recognize quality. "Remember what it feels like to be on a quality machine, so that when you go to the store you can discern what is good," says Miller. "The level of quality is wide in this business."          One other tip for when you are at the health club: "Go where the lines are," says Jordan. If people are waiting in line or scribbling on sign-up sheets, you know that that machine is good and has features that make exercisers want to come back for more. That's the kind of machine you want in your home. Next stop: exercise specialty stores          While you may find quality exercise equipment at department stores, your best bet for overall satisfaction is at exercise specialty stores. At one department store we shopped, not all the machines were plugged in and several were in disrepair. At another, we could not find help. At yet another, the help was there but the knowledge of the products was not; we had the feeling that last week this person was in automotive. "It is not wise to buy from a kid whose summer job is selling exercise equipment," says Jordan.          At specialty shops, the sales help is available and knowledgeable. Exercise is their existence. Some of staff are personal trainers, some have worked in health clubs, and most are up-to-date in the latest features.          It is good if the specialty shop has been around for five years or so and, in your estimation, gives the impression that it will be around for another five years. "If you want a ball bearing fixed a few years down the line, you want that store to be there," says Jordan. If the store is part of national chain, call the national office—and the Better Business Bureau—and check on your local store's track record.          Make sure you ask about delivery and installation costs. These machines are heavy, not easy to transport, and not easy to get up or down one floor in your home. Think twice about self-installation. Service by the machine manufacturer is also important. Miller says you can check on service by calling the manufacturer's toll-free service number and saying you have a broken machine. Do you ever talk with a human being? Was the response helpful and assuring? If not, he says, think twice about that store and that manufacturer. Infomercials and online purchasing (sidebar)          Most experts interviewed agree with Doug Stewart of Push Pedal Pull in Edina, Minn., who says infomercials have done a "disservice" to the industry.          Generally, says Stewart, the prices are right for infomercial products, but the quality is wrong. There is a good chance the machines won't be durable, won't fit the customer, but will sour the customer on the whole idea of home exercise. Experts like Mackie Shilstone, at the Elmwood Fitness Center in New Orleans, advise going to the stores where, he says, you can get on a machine to "see it, feel it, and smell it."          Purchasing online has possibilities. After you have been to the stores and have a good idea of what is good and what is bad, check out the websites of the brands that impress you. You may be able to purchase models that the store did not carry or newer models that appeal to you.          One company, called treadmillbynet, claims to be able to lower the cost of treadmills by selling directly to you online, and thus eliminating sales tax and the markup that stores put into their prices. At the company's website, you can check out a variety of brands, including Smooth, which is made by treadmillbynet. The company has set up delivery and service networks, but it is possible that all the bugs have yet to be worked out. That said, it is worth it to check out their website (www.treadmillbynet.com) and their Smooth treadmills.          OK, you're in the store and set on shopping for a home exercise machine. What do you look for? Dimensions. Is this machine going to fit in the space you have in mind? Is it easy to clean, dust, and (if applicable) fold up and store? Do you like the appearance? Weight. Generally, the heavier the machine the better it is. More weight helps with how well balanced the machine is. This is important when you are moving at high speeds on the machine. You don't want to tip over. Also, check out the welds, finish, rollers, motor, cushioning—everything about the quality of construction. You don't want anything flimsy. Warranty. "You are looking at a 5- to 10-year investment," says Miller, so you want as many years as possible on your warranty. "If there is a 3-year warranty on parts and labor, have that written on your invoice. That way, if something breaks down, there will be no questioning the warranty." Power source. If the machine is self-propelled, this is not a problem. But if you have to plug it in, make sure you don't have to rewire the house to do so. Safety. Belts, chains, cables, pulleys, levers, sprockets, pedals, arm bars, and other moving machine parts can cause injury, especially to young children. "Your purchase is not just about exercise," says Bob Andres, Ph.D., president of Ergonomic Engineering, Inc., a consulting firm in Pelham, MA. "To bring this machine into your house and experience success with it, you cannot have accidents and injury." Also, keep in mind physical differences and limitations of others who are going to use it. The pedals on the elliptical machine, for example, may fit you but may be too wide for others. If others use the machine much, they could develop a knee or hip injury. Easy to get on. Some cycles and elliptical machines are easier to get on than others. The handles and the control panels may be a reach or, conversely, they may crowd you while you exercise. Also, make sure railings are sturdy but out of the way of swinging arms. Railings should have a surface that won't be slippery when sweaty. Visibility of control panel. You don't want to be squinting for the off button when you need to stop quickly. The readout, program selections, speed and elevation controls, and other features should be in large print and clearly visible even when the treadmill, for example, is elevated. "For some of us getting up there in years, we cannot read some of that fine-print stuff," says Andres. Easy to use. "You can listen to the salesperson go yada, yada, yada with all the directions and features and still get on the machine yourself and go, ‘Huh?'" says McNeney. "The machine should not be confusing. You should be able to walk up, push a couple buttons, and go. There are too many things in life that are complicated, and you don't need your exercise machine to be one of them." Noise and smoothness. Quality is quiet and smooth. Enjoyment. Work out on the machine. Are there several levels of programming to challenge you? Is this an enjoyable experience? Do you need all the whistles and bells, which can be costly? "Try a high end machine even if you are buying a low end model," says Florez. "You will be able to know if what you are giving up with your purchase is worth the savings. Also, don't stop after a few minutes; go for about 15 minutes. That way you will give yourself a chance to notice the quirks and limitations of the machine. Or you may realize how great it is, and buy it on the spot." After you buy          Once your machine is home, you may still have doubts about such a purchase. In most cases, a reputable dealer will let you try equipment for 30 days. If you do not like it, you can return it for a full refund or merchandise credit.          Keep in mind that the novelty of your machine will wear off. Exercise is still exercise, and any machine, no matter how hi-tech, cannot keep boredom at bay forever. "People are often convinced they finally have the winning ticket with their machine, but one-third to one-half of them will not be on it in six to eight weeks," says Jordan. "Equipment has to be looked at as a supplement; don't think of it as the end-all and be-all."          Jordan says you will need support. Invite a friend or family member to exercise with you on your machine. Use all the machine's programs to spice up workouts. Develop your own personal goals as motivation. Bring in the TV or stereo. Consider a few sessions with a personal trainer, who will offer suggestions. To find one, call the store from which you bought your machine or a health club. Or go online and check out < href="http://www.fitadvisor.com">www.fitadvisor.com, a website about personal trainers and how they can help motivate you. Best Buy Selections          Below are descriptions of treadmills, stationary cycles, stair-steppers, and elliptical trainers. We have also made specific recommendations, our Best Buy list, to aid you in shopping.          These recommendations are based on input from industry experts all over the country and from our own investigations. The good news is there are many good machines on the market, and some we may have missed, or they were released after we went to print. TREADMILLS          Treadmills let you walk or run at varying speeds and inclines, and are the best-selling type of home exercise equipment.          With the assistance of the American College of Sports Medicine, we list these factors to consider: Position the treadmill away from walls to avoid injury due to falls. Be sure the back of the treadmill has at least 6 to 8 feet of clearance from a wall or window. The power supply and wiring should be located away from walking paths and taped to prevent tripping when stepping on and off treadmill. Many treadmill models fold up. Make sure the turning belt is properly adjusted before use; too tight or too loose will cause unnecessary wear. Belts vary in width and length, the wider and longer the better—more so for runners than walkers—but also the more expensive. Belts should be at least 18 to 20 inches wide and 48 inches long. Thicker belts last longer, provide more cushioning, and curl less at the edges; curling can cause tripping. The deck beneath the belt should be laminated (some companies use an underlying acrylic sheet) to protect it from friction wear and tear. Companies will incorporate varying degrees of cushioning in the deck, using rubber "donut" cushions, flex material, and, in one case, a bar that can be moved back and forth to create more or less "give" in the deck. The deck should also have wide foot rails, which are the standing areas between which the belt moves. The treadmill should be equipped with arm grips, siderails, or safety bars, which allow you to catch yourself if you fall and to be points of reference while you are moving on the belt. While running especially, there is a danger of drifting sideways or back and running off the moving belt. An emergency shut-off key, clip, or tether is a must, especially with young children around. The tether feature is preferred since an automatic stop button may not be in reach as you fall. Treadmills offer a wide variety of sophisticated electronic displays and programming that allow you to design your own workouts. You may find this superfluous and choose to pay less for a basic treadmill that features distance, speed (0.1 to 8 mph is good), time, incline (0 to 10 percent is good), and possibly calories expended. Or you may realize that you need—and are willing to pay more for—the extra motivation, information, and entertainment that you find in fancy displays and programming. Beyond-basic features include various pulse-measuring systems and programs that automatically keep you in your target heart rate zone. The motor should have a minimum continuous duty rating of 1.5 h.p.; 2.5 to 3.0 h.p. is preferred, especially for runners and for people weighing more than 180 pounds. To test the motor, plant your feet firmly on the belt while the machine is running at it lowest speed, checking for any hesitation, groaning, or grinding. Best Buys in Treadmills          The treadmills category is the best stocked with quality machines, which is good for consumers. Most of the manufacturers listed offer economy, mid-range, and premium selections. However, the choices below are an indication of the category in which the company's strength is. [P] Cybex or Trotter by Cybex has the 300T, 400T, and 410T, starting at $3200 and going up to $4500. All have the Stableflex suspension system that improves stability and reduces shock. [P] Life Fitness T3, T3i, T5, and T5i start at $2199 and go up to $3299. Flexdeck system makes for soft landings—or hard, for those who want it—and a large, friendly console is easy to understand and program. [P] Precor M9.21i, M9.21si, M9.41si, M9.25i, and M9.45i start at $2599 and go up to $4499. They offer Smart Rate, a color indicator that shows you where your heart rate is in relation to your target heart rate training zones. It also lets you see your heart rate changing as it responds to the system's automatic workload adjustment. [P] Pacemaster Pro-Plus 2, Pro-Select, and Pro-Elite are $1995, $2295, and $2595, respectively. The Pro-Elite is new, and the Pro-Plus 2 and Pro-Select replaced the dependable Pro-Plus and Pro-Plus HR. [P] True 450p, 450 HRC, 500HRC, and 525 HRC start at $2699 and go up to $4199. The 525 offers 12 manually adjustable settings of deck softness. [M] Milestone by Keys 1200 SES, 2200 SES, and 3200 HR are $1199, $1300, and $1799. Solid, basic machines for folks who do not need frills. [M] Smooth 5.0P, 5.1HRC, 5.2P, and 5.5HR are $1299, $1799, $1799, and $1999. These treadmills are from treadmillbynet, a new online company that sells directly to customers. This type of sales, in theory, means premium-type treadmill for mid-range type money. [M] Spirit SR 210, SR 195, and SR 2400 are $1595, $1795, and $1895, respectively. Spirit has had a recent change in direction and is improving an already good line of treadmills. [M] Vision Fitness has T7000, T7200, T7400, T8200HRC, T8400HRC, and T8500HRC, running from $1299 up to $2199. Elastomer Cushioning System offers varying amounts of vertical cushioning with each strike of the foot. Great value. [E] Healthrider S300i, S500i, and S700i are $799.99, $1199.99, and $1499.99, respectively. Classy looking decks with the Softrack, "carpet"-look treadbelt. A lot of features for a relatively little amount of money. [E] NordicTrack EXP1000, EXP2000, and EXP3000 are $799.99, $999.99, and $1199.99, respectively. It is hard to recommend treadmills that are under $1000, but it is easier to do because of NordicTrack. [E] Schwinn 5110p, 5210p, 5450p, 5610p, 6100p, 6300p, and 6500p run between $899 and $1499. Schwinn offers several treadmills that are good for walkers and runners who want a workout without getting wiped out financially. The following "honorable mention" brands have quality in a variety of models and price ranges: Landice, Star Trac, Trimline, SportsArt. STATIONARY CYCLES          Stationary cycles provide low-impact cardiovascular exercise by working the legs through a pedaling motion. Some models also have arm bars that you can push and pull while you ride. Cycles are generally smaller and less expensive than other exercise machines.          Factors to consider with stationary cycles: Upright cycles are compact but, for the most part, are being replaced by recumbent or semi-recumbent cycles. Recumbents offer back support, which means more comfort and the possibility of longer workouts. Individuals with ambulation or balance concerns will find recumbents a safer, more comfortable option. For resistance, stationary cycles use friction belts, wheels, hydraulics, fans, or magnets. Magnetic resistance is quietest. Fans cool you off, which is nice in summer but not always nice in winter. Fans also dry out your eyes and are noisy. Many cycles are equipped with computers and displays that report workout data and offer various programming. Beyond-basic features include various pulse-measuring systems and programs that automatically keep you in your target heart rate zone. Because the head is stable while cycling, reading and TV watching are much easier to do on this machine than on other exercise machines. Adjust the position of the seat to your body. One of the biggest reasons people quit on exercise cycles is discomfort caused by improper adjustments of the bike to the body. With uprights, the saddle should be level to the floor; pointed up puts pressure on the groin, and pointed down puts too much weight on arms and shoulders. Adjust the seat so there is a slight bend in the knee when the peddle is at the bottom of the stroke. A lower seat can strain the knees and a higher seat can cause soreness or numbness in the groin area. Also, the seat should be adjusted so that your hips do no rock back and forth when you peddle. Peddle straps help you apply force on the upstroke. Adjust the handlebars so that you ride in a comfortable leaning position. Handlebars that are too high will put pressure on your seat while handlebars that are too low may lead to low back soreness and arm, shoulder, and neck fatigue. Best Buys in Stationary Cycles          Our recommendations apply to both upright and recumbent cycles. [P] Cybex. The 500C (upright; list $2,025) and the 500R (recumbent; list $2,325) are quality through and through, with a nice display panel. The 700C (upright; list $2,425) has a comfortable, easy-to-adjust seat, and the 700R (list $2,725) has an ergonomically designed seat that contours to your back and eliminates back fatigue. [P] Lifecycle. The C3 (list $1,299), C7i (list $1,699), and C9i (list $2,199) are uprights, and the R9i (list $2,699) and R7i (list $2,199) are recumbents. All the Lifeycles are on everyone's "A" list. [M] Vision Fitness. Great quality at great prices. The E3000 (list $599.99), E3100 (list $699.99), and E3200HRC (list $999.99) are uprights, and the R2000 (list $699.99), R2100 (list $899.99), R2200 (list $1,099.99), and R2200HRC (list $1,199.99) are recumbents. You cannot go wrong with any of them. [E] Schwinn. Schwinn has models that can compete with Vision in the mid-range category, such as the 120p (upright; list $899), 220p (recumbent; list $999), 910i (upright; $1,199), and 920i (recumbent; $1,349). But if you want to go with quality below $500, look at the 105p (upright; $369.95) and the DX900 (recumbent; $499.95). Don't forget the old standby, the fan-resistance Airdyne (upright; $549.95) and the newer Evolution Comp (upright; $699.95). The following "honorable mention" brands have quality in a variety of models and price ranges: NordicTrack, Reebok. STAIR STEPPERS          Stair steppers duplicate the motion of climbing a flight of stairs. They provide lower body strength training and aerobic exercise, and are especially good for toning thigh and gluteal muscles.          Factors to consider with stair steppers: Is this machine to be used as a basic exercise program or as training for a specific event? This is an intense exercise, meaning you won't be able to do long or daily workouts. Therefore, using this machine exclusively may not be right for you if want daily exercise. Also, you may experience strain in your knees, hips, and low back with stair stepping. Many stair steppers feature a console with programs that can put you through a number of interesting and motivating programs. The basic console will show: calories burned, distance climbed, rate of speed, and intensity level. Beyond-basic features include various pulse-measuring systems and programs that automatically keep you in your target heart rate zone. It is essential that the machine have a solid construction and stable frame. Self-leveling pedals allow you to keep the step flat throughout the workout. The stepping action should be smooth and independent, i.e., pushing one step down should not push the other step up. Dependent stepping action takes much of the work out of the exercise and can also force the hips to tilt and rock, which may cause strain. Your body should be in a biomechanically correct posture, the back upright and the knees not forward of the toes when stepping. The handrails should be positioned so they help you to stand upright rather than bent forward. Not using the handrails makes the workout more difficult. Leaning on the handrails too much can cause wrist and back strain. Avoid air-filled shocks; they heat up quickly and eventually fail because of cylinder damage. Hydraulic shocks are oil-filled and last longer than the air-filled. Best Buys in Stair Steppers [P] Cybex 400 S Stepper (list $2,425). Programs are easy to use and adapt to any fitness level. The console is positioned so it's easy to program and read during workouts. More costly model, the 700 with Cardio Touch (heart rate monitoring system), lists for $3,125. [M] StairMaster 4000 PT (List $2,195). StairMaster started this machine back in the mid-80s. Still good today. [M] StairMaster Free Climber 4400 PT (List $2,295). Features upright, rail-less design, which is most space efficient and yet extremely effective for a wide range of exercise and conditioning needs. [E] Schwinn 330i (List $1,499.95). Sixteen levels of intensity for manual mode and five pre-programmed workouts; intervals, summit, hills, plateau, and mountain. Multi-position side rails for varied hand position options. [E] Schwinn 305p (List $319.95). No-nonsense, entry-level stepper. The following "honorable mention" brands have quality in a variety of models and price ranges: Life Fitness, NordicTrack, Precor, and Star Trac. ELLIPTICAL TRAINERS          Elliptical trainers are a cross between a ski machine and a stair stepper. Elliptical trainers put your legs and feet through a circular—elliptical, to be precise—up-and-down motion. Ellipticals have become one of the most popular choices of machines for cardiovascular exercise, and, according to many industry experts, will eventually bump stair steppers from the market. However, other experts, such as Miller, have a low regard for ellipticals. He calls them "faddish" and "a good machine for people who do not want to exercise at all."          Factors to consider with ellipticals: Their main selling point is they offer non-impact exercise, which is great on the joints. Some ellipticals include poles to be pushed and pulled with the arms while the legs are in motion (both forward and backward), making the exercise more of a total body aerobic workout. Other ellipticals increase intensity using elevating ramps under the pedals or by changing the resistance of the pedals with a tension control. These machines are large, up to 7 feet long. Make sure you have the space for them. Ellipticals are non-impact, but knee strain is possible because the knees stay bent, in almost the same position, through the exercise. Hips and low back can become strained as well because of the rocking motion. Some people find it difficult to go fast for very long. Also, if you go fast and stop suddenly, the dependent motion of the pedals can jolt you upward. Fit is important. First, the pedals should fit your feet, have a textured, non-slip surface, and bordering ridges that prevent your feet from sliding off. Don't buy the machine if the pedals are too far apart or close together for you and anyone else who will use it. Ditto for machines with a stride length that is too limited (although you can adjust stride length with some machines). A good fit should allow you to move comfortably and smoothly with good upright posture (do not learn forward or grab the balance bars tightly) and without the chance of your knees bumping the console. The machine should be absolutely sturdy. Beyond-basic features include various pulse-measuring systems and programs that automatically keep you in your target heart rate zone. Best Buys in Elliptical Trainers [P] Precor EFX 5.21 Crosstrainer (List $3,099). CrossRamp lets you vary the angle of stride. Electronic display is straightforward and user-friendly. With Quick Start, you exercise immediately without scratching your head or entering any statistics. [P] Life Fitness 5500 HR Total Body Cross Trainer (List $3,299). Push-pull arms and Interactive Zone Training workouts keeps you in your target heart rate zone for fat burning or cardiovascular conditioning. [M] Precor EFX 5.17 Crosstrainer (List $2,299). CrossRamp lets you vary the angle of stride. Easy to pedal backward. [E] Vision Fitness X6200HRC (List $1,599). Smooth, this elliptical takes up only a 28" x 32" area when folded. The X6000DA ($1,299) has a cable operated braking system and a non-programmable console. The X6200HRC/DA ($1,899) has the same features as the regular X6200HRC, but also had moving arms to give you a full upper and lower body workout. The following "honorable mention" brands have quality in a variety of models and price ranges: NordicTrack, Reebok, and Schwinn. Back Gary Legwold glegwold@lutefisk.com (612) 926-1877 "Ideas Need Words" Home Page © Copyright 2004 Gary Legwold and Conrad Henry Press. All rights reserved.