Category Archives: Cardio

Cardio

How Great Is A Stepmill?

Posted on by Kurt Taulbee
05
Jul

How great is a stepmill? Stepmills, AKA Stairmaster (the original brand), are so functional and effective they are becoming more and more popular. They essentially have replaced the Stepper, which was popular years (decades) ago. Climbing stairs is an exercise that is natural, builds strength and can kick your cardiovascular system into high gear. A daily dose of stepmill work can transform your body into a lean and mean machine. 

Here is a real person doing a real 7 day stepmill challenge, you can see the results she achieves and what the workout feels like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71OXqNEjFrw

There are several excellent brands/ models if you want to consider a stepmill for your home: See them here: https://fitlineequipment.com/fitness-equipment/cardio/stepmills/

Stairmaster 4G, 8GX, 10G

Precor SCL-835 Stair Climber

Life Fitness Powermill

Cardio

Precor Elliptical History

Posted on by Kurt Taulbee
exerciser on precor elliptical machine
06
Jun

Did you know that Precor invented the elliptical machine? In 1995 after several years of design and testing they produced the first ellipticals. Precor did testing at a university to learn the motion of our hips and foot path when we are walking and running. The testing showed a specific ellipse shape and this is the shape of the motion built into every Precor elliptical machine. This is a patented motion and only Precor machines have it. This is why Precor ellipticals feel so balanced and natural and other machines feel like the motion is forced and not so natural.

The original Precor elliptical was designed as a lower body machine and marketed towards runners. But, soon after, moving arms were added for an upper body workout. Now, the elliptical machine with moving arms is the second most popular exercise machine, right behind the treadmill. Precor invented the elliptical machine and then every other company followed their lead and built their own. Two main features of the Precor elliptical machine are the natural elliptical motion and a ramp that raises and lowers, which changes the stride length and muscles that are worked. The higher you adjust the ramp, the more it feels like climbing a hill.

Now you know a little history about Precor elliptical machines. CLICK HERE if you want to see what models are available.