New Fitness Equipment

Stationary stepper NuStep Inc., a family-owned firm in Ann Arbor, recently introduced its TRS 4000. It's a sturdier, more durable machine for the physical therapy and health club market than its predecessor.
The recumbent stair stepper has a cushioned, swivel seat, the same as used on John Deere tractors. The belt drive allows smooth, quiet action. Underneath the seat, a permanent magnet and spinning flywheel controls momentum. The machine features adjustable arms for achieving a total body workout.

A programmable display offers 10 workout levels. NuStep sells for $3,495, plus shipping. For information, call (800) 322-2209 or visit its web site, www.nustep.com.




Rocking bike
If riding a stationary bike has gotten boring for you, check out Reebok's Ridge Rocker. Like an off-road cycle, it has a patented suspension system that allows the rider to feel the natural up-and-down and side-to-side motion of sprinting up hills.

Resistance is provided by a computer-controlled magnetic brake. The Ridge Rocker's adjustable seat can be pulled up without getting off the bike. Its handlebars are designed for multiple hand positions, and the timing belt is quiet, prevents slips and requires no lubrication. A computer monitor offers eight exercise courses. The bike sells for $1,499. For information, call (800) 344-0444 or check Reebok's web site, http://fitness.reebok.com or www.iconfitness.com.




Uphill climb
For the extreme fitness enthusiast, Nordic Track introduced the Teton Trekker, a treadmill with an incline reaching 50 percent uphill and 5 percent downhill. The incline allows the user to burn 270 percent more calories than walking on a flat surface. The Teton Trekker offers 26 preprogrammed hiking and running workouts with moderate, challenging and extreme trails. Users can chart their progress for each trail from the base to the summit on the detailed Navigator console. Web site, www.iconfitness.com, the Trekker's priced at $1,499, Nordic Track stores call (800) 727-9777.




Strength by resistance
The seated machine works the legs, chest and back with three basic exercises, a leg press, bench press and bench pull, as well as some variations. The Dyno provides resistance with adjustable dampers that control airflow around a spinning flywheel. The settings allow for as little or as much resistance desired.

Concept 2 has a retail price of $1,150. For information, call (800) 245-5676 or check its web site, www.concept2.com.




Cable pull
Schwinn and Cybex introduced resistance machines with cable pulls to improve basic functioning, lifting, bending, walking and stooping. The Cybex FT 360 Functional Trainer has 180-degree rotating pulleys, a low-momentum weight stack design and compact footprint. Users can perform a variety of lifts, while standing or sitting on a bench or fitness ball. This is the first piece of stationary equipment to incorporate the gym ball into its operation. The machine has a maximum lifting weight of 300 pounds and a hefty $3,995 price tag. Call (888) 462-9239 or visit the web site, www.ecybex.com.




Schwinn designed the RiPP resistance performing machine to provide individual or group strength and endurance training. Users pull cables, while standing or sitting on a bench. The 5- to 140-pound resistance comes from an enclosed system of elastic bands and hubs. The weights are enclosed in the bench. The equipment, due for release next month, will be offered initially in fitness classes similar to certified spinning programs. Instructors are trained in how to blend exercise to music, suggesting ways to achieve a total body workout at all fitness levels. Equipment won't be sold to the health club until the instructor passes the course. An exercise video accompanies the RiPP, which has a $1,199 price tag. Call (888) 471-0014 or check its web site, www.schwinn.com.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.