|
Cardio fitness gear that’s easy on your joints
Want to rack up the running miles without the wear and tear on your joints? That’s the promise of alternative motion cardio machines (AMCM’s), a new type of cardio equipment that borrows elements of the treadmill, elliptical, and stair stepper. Consumer Reports is currently testing three AMCMs from Nordic Track, Octane, and Precor. The machines start at around $2,000, which is comparable with other premium-line exercise equipment, though AMCM prices can climb much higher.
The potential benefit. When you run on a treadmill, you control your stride length, but all the pounding can affect your joints. Ellipticals eliminate that impact, but their constrained motion can feel a little artificial. AMCM’s claim to offer the best of both worlds, simulating your running stride while allowing you to change its pace and length at will, without pushing a button. The machines also allow for the quad-and-glute strengthening benefits of a stair stepper.
We’re using a panel of testers who regularly engage in cardio exercise to assess those claims, as well as other features. The time-lapse video here shows Peter Anzalone, Senior Project Leader of fitness testing assembling the Octane machine. The process took a little under an hour. It was a fairly easy and smooth process, though that’s not the case with all stationery exercise equipment. Plus the machines can weigh hundreds of pounds. So it’s worth looking into installation services offered by the retailer, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined.
It will be a few weeks before the final test results are in on this first batch of AMCM, but here’s what we can tell you about each machine.
Nordic Track Free Strider FS7i, $1,999
Nordic Track claims that its Free Strider FS7i is “like floating on air.” It has a floating suspension design, with cushioned pedals that ride on belts instead of traditional rails attached to a crank, that’s supposed to conform to your movements with minimal joint impact. You control your stride length and path—from short up-and-down steps to elliptical-like strides to long running strides up to 38 inches. You can also focus your workout on different muscle groups by changing the incline or resistance. Custom workouts are available through iFit technology and Google Maps routes, or you can choose from the existing menu of programs.
Octane Fitness Zero Runner ZR7, $3,299
This AMCM also claims to replicate natural running motion without the impact. Independent pedals allow you to create the natural running stride that’s best for you (up to an impressive 58-inch stride length). Simulated hip and knee joints on the machine claim to provide a larger range of motion than traditional fitness machines. The Zero Runner also features intelligence to track your pace and stride length. And it comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless heart rate monitor.
Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer with Open Stride, $9,395
This commercial-grade machine is available to consumers, and promises a low-impact, personalized cardio workout that adapts to your stride. You can go from walking to running to stair climbing to deep lunges simply by changing your stride, up to to 36 inches. You can also change the height of the stride, from 6.8 to 10 inches, and resistance is adjustable. Precor claims its machine burns more calories than other cardio equipment; preset workouts let you set your fitness goals.
We’ll reserve final judgment on the AMCM category until our test results are in. But it’s clearly an intriguing newcomer to the world of fitness equipment—and the fact that major manufacturers have introduced versions means it’s probably here to stay. If you’re researching all cardio options, be sure to check our buying guides and the results of our tests of treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes.
—Susan Booth
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2015 Consumers Union of U.S.
|
.JPG)
No comments:
Post a Comment