Best Cardio Machines

Best in Gym

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/24/fashion/thursdaystyles/24Fitness.html?ex=1290488400&en=e877d7f7f8794ab1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
By CHRISTIAN DeBENEDETTI

WALK into most gyms, and it is obvious which cardio machines are the favorites. Quite often rows of treadmills are parked on prime real estate in front of the televisions. Close by, stationary bikes also crowd the floor. And rightly so: these are the two most popular machines for a cardiovascular workout at health clubs. Lately their dominance has been challenged by a newcomer, the elliptical motion trainer, at right, a machine that aims to replicate running without the stress on joints.

But of all the machines at health clubs, which one is really the best, the latest fads aside? Stair climbers, which were a huge hit in the early 1990's, are used by scarcely more than half as many exercisers today, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Does that mean they are no longer effective?

These questions are particularly apropos today, when many feasts of turkey and trimmings will add up to 3,000 calories, according to the American Council on Exercise. Leaving aside New Year's Day and its compulsory rituals of atonement, perhaps no other moment illustrates the uphill battle for fitness than Thanksgiving. Even the most dedicated exerciser is unlikely to run the four hours it would take a 160-pound person to burn off such a heavy meal.

Once folks do get around to working off the pumpkin pie and Zinfandel, which machine at the gym will help the pounds come off quickest? Which will do it without undue joint stress? And which will best condition the heart?

To help gymgoers make an informed choice at the unofficial start of the indoor exercise season, Thursday Styles asked 10 experts - physiologists, researchers, doctors and personal trainers - to rate the five most popular cardio machines according to these three criteria plus two others: the overall muscle conditioning they offer; and how tedious regular workouts feel, or what we dubbed the "monotony factor."

The experts not only chose a winner among the treadmill, stationary bicycle, stair climber, elliptical trainer and rowing machine, they also offered advice on how to get the most out of the equipment.

The winner, by a solid margin, is the elliptical trainer. Our 10 experts thought it had many virtues, chiefly that it allows a low-impact, high-energy workout that is fun. Used correctly, an elliptical trainer works the muscles of the central core as well as the lower body, although some experts think research is needed to determine how hard a workout its users really get.

"These devices are not always effective in providing much resistance to movement," said Edward F. Coyle, the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin. "People seem to be able to move effortlessly."

But for the most part the panel of experts felt that the elliptical was the best all-around choice.

The rowing machine, which has plummeted in popularity in the last 15 years, ranked a surprising second in our survey, tied with the treadmill.

Several panelists argued that rowing machines are highly underrated; when used properly they offer a thorough workout of the major muscle groups, including the back, hips, arms and legs. But despite its advantages, rowing machines demand an intensity of effort that many exercisers find too challenging.

Whatever machine might become the next big thing, the experts cautioned that no one of them is right for everyone at all times. Instead, gymgoers should rotate among machines at least once a week. Cross-training, as this is called, addresses a variety of muscles and will help to avoid injuries from overuse.

"People are always asking me, 'What is the best exercise?' " said Dr. Paul D. Thompson, a cardiologist at Hartford Hospital. "My answer always is, 'What do you enjoy doing?' "

The best exercise machine, the experts agreed, is the one that gets you moving each day.