Expert: Daphne E Brown MS CPRP - 7/3/2003

Question
What's the best excercise machine (aerobic) in the market ?  I don't want the buy the running machines (the treadmills), they are noisy and besides, and can go out and run if that's what I want. I want something as good as running, but right in my house. Right now I'm inclined to buy the "Smooth CE Elliptical Trainer"...is this the best there is? ...Are the elliptical trainers as good as running?

Thanks
Mel

Answer
****Suggestions offered here may or may not help you in your particular
situation.  Please consult with your physician before beginning an
exercise/nutritional regimen****


Hi Mel.
Treadmills have been touted by much research to be the most beneficial piece of exercise equipment if used regularly and properly.  However, I am a strong advocate of crosstraining--that is, intergrating different forms of cardiovascular exercise in your weekly exercise plan/routine ie swimming walking/jogging/running, elliptical, biking, aerobics classes, etc. to help lower your risk of overuse injuries.   However, I am also a strong advocate of people using the method that they will be inclined to stick with in the long run.  

You could burn twice more calories using an elliptical trainer, compared to a treadmill.  Elliptical machine use is also easier on your joints, especially if you have knee and back concerns.  Check out this website info:  http://www.treadmillscentral.com/health_fitness.htm

I could easily recommend to you a brand, but if you get on it and feel miserable, then I would have wasted your time AND money.

SO---I strongly suggest that you go to different stores
(sporting goods, department, fitness specialty, etc.) that have demo models of elliptical machines.  Try them all out.  Play with the controls. Change the resistance and elevation.  Ask about the warranty and any service plans that come with the machine.  Ask if the store provides warranty service or do you have to ship it off the the manufacturer somewhere far away.  Before you buy, go to a website like consumerreports.com to see is there is a recall or something negative about that equipment you need to know about.

Here are some websites you may want to look at:
http://www.hsn.com/cnt/cat/default.aspx?sf=HF&sz=3&dept=HF009&cat=HF012
http://www.advancedfitness.com/
http://www.megafitness.com/elliptical-trainers.html?gtse=goog>kw=elliptical


I do not personally know any of the above companies , so you may want to research any company if you decide to purchase a machine online.  As you see, the prices vary from a few hundred to a few thousand, so check a lot of stores and reviews to see if you are not over paying.
 Sites like dealtime.com, bizrate.com usually do a good job at rating companies and comparing prices.

Hope this helps you.  Good luck on your purchase and congratulations on your healthy lifestyle!!
Daphne