comes in a distant but acceptable second. On the cheaper end, Vision Fitness
has a $1,500 model that isn’t nearly as sturdy as the one from Precor, but it
will withstand limited use. Under $500 is an elliptical trainer from ProForm,
and although it won’t stand up the way more expensive ones will, more and
more reliable models are coming available in this price range.
Stair-climbers
We’re talking about two foot plates you pump up and down to mimic the action
of climbing stairs. Stair-climbers, also called steppers, usually have front or
side rails that you hold onto for balance. Their consoles display time, distance,
steps per minute (spm), number of flights climbed, and calories burned.
Most steppers have an independent action;that is, the movement of one pedal
is not affected by the other. With dependent models, the act of straightening
one leg to lower the step causes the other pedal to rise. This isn’t just a tech-
nical detail: Usually, you like the feel of one and hate the other.
Almost all steppers in the $200 to $1,200 range use hydraulic pistons or air
pressure to power the pedals. These cheaper steppers are nowhere near
as smooth moving as the stair machines people line up for at the gym.
Some people don’t mind the way they feel, but do stay away from the $200
models, and look for one that doesn’t wobble from side to side as you climb.
Precor and Schwinn make decent ones at the low end of the price scale.
If you want a gym-quality climber, go with the industry leader: StairMaster
(www.stairmaster.com). StairMaster makes independent-action machines
that use chains and cables to move the steps — and carry price tags of over
$3,000. Tectrix makes a respectable clone for about half that amount. LifeStep
manufactures the most popular dependent-action home climber in the same
price range.
Stationary bikes
Biking is a no-brainer: Park your butt on the seat, plant your feet on the
pedals, and away you go, so to speak. You can spend up to $3,000 on a fully-
loaded, high-tech super cycle — or $400 for a sturdy, no-frills workhorse. Just
keep in mind that every cool feature you opt for jacks up the price.
Before you buy, test-drive both upright and recumbent bikes. Recumbent
bikesprovide back support so that you pedal straight out in front of you.
If you have lower-back discomfort, you may appreciate the back support.
Recumbents also target your butt and rear thigh muscles at a different angle
than upright bikes (the traditional kind, which resemble regular bicycles).
Chapter 20: Designing a Home Gym 311