Obsession Fitness | Exercise Equipment, Home Gyms » low impact

Mobia by Nautilus Review | 3-in-1 (Stepper, Treadmill, Elliptical) Home workout

Steve — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:20:39 +0000

Combining the climbing motion of a stair stepper, the low-impact benefits of an elliptical trainer and the forward movement of a treadmill, the Mobia by Nautilus aims to take the health benefits of “walking” to a new level.

Nautilus, owner of Bowflex is sometimes criticized for over-hyped, gimmicky fitness equipment, but Gizmodo called Mobia the “iPod of Treadmills”, in part because of the clean white and black aesthetic and sleek, intuitive console.

This machine is designed for 3-in-1, high efficiency walking, not running — the maximum speed is just 4 mph.

Mobia’s independently moving “treadles” let you walk forward like a treadmill while stepping up like a stair climber. These two actions combined provide a core-strengthening cardio workout that’s easy on the ankles and knees. When you step on a treadle it depresses under your weight, absorbing impact and providing the feeling of walking in sand.

In a study conducted at New York’s Adelphi University, Mobia modality burned up to 2 times more calories in 30 minutes than a treadmill at the same speed.

The display tracks 5 functions: Speed, Distance, Time, Total Calories and Heart Rate.

The Mobia comes with a Telemetry Chest Strap that wirelessly monitors heart rate and the specialized Nautilus Nutrition Plan and Introduction to Fitness Guide. Maximum wight capacity is 300 lbs.

*Update: 1/11/12: Mobia by Nautilus may no longer be available. See links below.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Visit the Nautilus/Bowflex Website

Compare to the Bowflex Treadclimber (*highly recommended alternative to Mobia)

Air Resistance Elliptical Cross Trainer | Stamina Air 1725

Steve — Sat, 01 May 2010 21:08:46 +0000

The Stamina Air 1725 merges electronically controlled tension with air resistance for an adequate low-impact cardiovascular workout. This is an affordable option at the low end of the elliptical trainer price scale; we don’t recommend lower priced models without compromising quality and effectiveness.

The multi-function console features large, easy-to-read numbers and tracks time, speed, distance and calories with simple, one-button control. Heart rate is tracked with a fingertip pulse sensor built into the monitor.

The Stamina Air 1725 is easy to assemble, lightweight and includes wheels for portability. Over-sized pedals and foam padded handlebars contribute to a comfortable workout.

The 14 inch stride is easy on the joints, following the natural path of the foot, extension of the leg, and the rotation of the hip during walking or running. The foot pedals can be moved in a forward or reverse direction.

This model suffers from a relatively narrow base that may cause the machine to wobble during use, especially for heavier users. See all elliptical trainer reviews here.

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Stamina 1215 Orbital Exercise Rowing Machine | Free Motion Arms for Natural Rowing

Steve — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:55:28 +0000

The Stamina 1215 is a budget rowing machine, similar to the 1205 model, but adds free motion arms for a full range of motion that better mimics the experience of rowing on water. The arms can move both vertically and horizontally, creating a realistic circular rowing motion.

Rowing is one of the most efficient all around, impact-free fitness activities, working all major muscle groups including legs, arms, back, abdominal and buttocks.

The 1215 uses smooth hydraulic cylinder resistance with adjustable tension controls. The soft, padded seat glides smoothly on a ball bearing roller mechanism and the foam grips and pivoting foot rests add comfort. The beam incline is adjustable for varied difficulty levels.

A single button multifunctional exercise monitor tracks speed, distance, time, stoke count, calories burned, and miles rowed.

The 1215 is a compact rowing machine, measuring just 48″ x 32.5″ x 27.75″ and the rowing arms fold for easy storage.

With many reasons to recommend it, keep in mind that this is a very basic rowing machine. Stamina is a large manufacturer, producing low to mid-range rowers appropriate for experienced athletes, but mostly designed as an affordable option for home users.

More Info & Price Comparisons

Click here for the Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowing Machine with Free Motion Arms
Compare to other Rowing Machines on Amazon
Stamina 1215 Orbital Rowers on eBay

Stamina 1215 Orbital Rower & Free Motion Arms 35-1215
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Stamina 1215 Rower w/ Free Motion Arms
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Smooth Fitness CE3.2 Elliptical Cross Trainer | Low Impact Workout with Automatic Resistance Adjustment

Steve — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:35:35 +0000

The Smooth Fitness CE3.2 is rated a notch below their highly regarded CE7.4 model but still offers plenty of stability, durability and extra features.

The heavy duty construction provides a solid health club quality feel, an 18 lb flywheel and a user capacity of 300 lbs. The machine measures 76″ x 26″ x 67″ and weighs 175 pounds.

The CE3.2 keeps your routine at the optimal intensity level by adjusting resistance automatically. This is done by referencing your pre-determined optimum heart rate level and the current feedback from the wireless heart-rate strap.

The action of the pivoting foot pedals is smooth through all resistance ranges and mimics the natural progression of the leg during walking and running. Lower body alignment is maintained while reducing stress on the hips and knees.

The 4-window computer console tracks course profiles, speed, time, distance, heart rate, calories and 16 resistance levels. User profile memory stores age, weight and target heart rate settings.

A note of caution: Smooth Fitness is an online only retailer and the 30 day 100% return policy is contingent on retaining the original packaging. Smooth offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and braking system, 3-year warranty on all parts plus one year of in-home service.

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Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Exercise Bike | Quiet, Low Impact Home Fitness

Steve — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:27:13 +0000

The sheer number of exercise bikes now on the market can make choosing between style, manufacturer, quality level and price range a daunting task.

The Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Bike is not what you’d expect to see in a commercial gym, but the solid design, respected brand and essential features make it a good choice for those on a budget looking for an effective cardio workout.

The bike is easy to assemble, sturdy, quickly adjustable and does not take up much space. The belt drive system delivers a quiet and smooth ride and the electronics are not difficult to program. The LCD display is not bright and oversized, which helps keep the price down, but the numbers are crisp and easy to read.

The Schwinn Active 20 offers a wide range of available resistance levels but each step is relatively large compared to more expensive bikes that allow you to ramp up the difficulty more gradually. Very tall users may find the pedals too close for a comfortable workout motion, even with the seat adjusted all the way back. If you’re over 6’4″ we recommend testing out any exercise bike in a sporting goods store before purchase.

Recumbent bikes offer better ergonomic back support and create less pressure on the neck and shoulders than traditional upright bikes. They provide low impact, calorie burning workouts while allowing you to comfortably read, watch TV or even play video games.

Recumbent home exercise bike for cardiovascular fitness and lower body strength
Programs include 1 manual, 6 preset, 3 heart rate control and 1 target heart rate
ECB (eddy current brake) magnetic resistance offers 8 levels of difficulty
Grip rate sensors monitor heart rate
Padded seat and transport wheels for easy movement and storage
Integrated leveling feet for enhanced stability and floor protection
275-pound maximum user weight
58 pounds, 58.5″ x 26″ x 36″

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Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber | “Stair Stepper/Treadmill” Cardio Fitness Home Workout Machine

Steve — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 01:22:58 +0000

The Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber stands out from the vast field of cardio equipment with its unique hybrid design and high quality construction. This machine can be used in three ways: (1) just as a treadmill, (2) just as a stair stepper, or (3) as a combination of both. It’s very easy to adjust and offers an array of electronics and features to help push past fitness plateaus.

The Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber features an innovative design with dual Tread Belts for an efficient, low-impact but intense fat burning workout. It’s has 12 intensity settings and 6 electronic functions that allow you to track Speed, Time, Distance, Calories Burned, Calories-Per-Minute, and Total Steps. The ergonomic console includes a book holder, 2 oversized drink holders, plus space for a TV remote and personal stereo.

The Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber is an expensive, premium piece of equipment, an excellent option for those looking for a professional gym aesthetic in a home exercise machine.

Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber Product Details

Treadmill/Stepper combination
Super-efficient, low-impact workout
Speed adjustable from 0.7 to 4.0 miles per hour
12 intensity settings
Monitor Speed, Time, Distance, Calories Burned, Calories-Per-Minute and Total Steps
6LCD readout windows
Large footboards along tread belts
Bowflex 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

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The Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber on eBay

TC5000 Bowflex Treadclimber Treadmill Exercise Machine NO RESERVE
US $1,100.00 (58 Bids)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 19:03:42 PST
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Nautilus Bowflex Treadclimber TC5300 Safety Key Kit
US $29.99
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 20:42:19 PST
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Nautilus BowFlex Treadclimber Rear Roller Kit 000-0278
US $169.99
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***Visit our Bowflex Review Center***