Elliptical cross-trainers can give you the workout you've been looking for, but be prepared to spend at least $1,200.
Since bursting onto the fitness scene just five years ago, more than four million elliptical cross-trainers have sprung up in health clubs across the country.
"Elliptical cross-trainers are the only real breakthrough aerobic product of the past few years," says Gregory Florez, spokesman for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). "They are absolutely not a gimmick."
Combining the features of a treadmill and a stair climber, what sets the cross-trainer apart from other exercise machines is its ability to offer a weight-bearing workout that puts little stress on the joints.
Your feet never leave the pedals on an elliptical trainer, making the workout zero impact. You can pedal forward, backward and against varying levels of resistance, which reduces the risk of injury from overuse of any one muscle group.
Weight-bearing exercises, such as running, hiking and aerobics, benefit the body in ways that cycling, rowing and other non-weight-bearing workouts cannot. They build bone density and burn calories more quickly.
Unfortunately, buying an elliptical trainer is a little more difficult than being persuaded of its benefits. The top-of-the-line models, such as the Precor EFX 5.21si and Life Fitness CT 5500HR, aren't cheap.
The suggested retail price for the EFX 5.2si is $3,099, and the Life Fitness CT runs between $3,299 and $3,499. The EFX offers an electronically adjustable ramp, which allows you to work different muscles by changing the angle of the elliptical stride, while the CT uses moving poles in a synchronized push-pull motion.
You can find a very serviceable elliptical trainer for between $1,200 and $1,800. The $1,799 Schwinn 410i also offers an upper-body workout. The $1,499 Vision Fitness X6200HRC has pedals that fold into the machine to save space. Both machines include a two-year warranty on all parts and electronics.
The quality drops off significantly below the $1,200 threshold. These cheaper machines are generally less sturdy, often feel jumpy or sticky, and may lack a one-year-plus warranty.
If you are serious about buying an elliptical cross-trainer, be sure to take a few test drives. Florez recommends spending at least ten minutes on a machine to make sure that it's sturdy and reliable. He also thinks that spending the extra money for a top-of-the-line model is worthwhile. "For most people, the cardiovascular machine is the cornerstone of their home gym."