DIET | DETECTIVE^®

As you stand there, surrounded by the history of your exercise-inspired purchases, it will become clear-no one piece can do it all. But, what if there was just one machine that really could do the job of all of the other pieces combined? A fantasy machine that provided a cardiovascular element, strength training, instant motivation, minimal hassle, and took up no more space than a comfortable chair? What would it look like? What would it do? With a little imagination (and disregard for the laws of physics) this is what my machine would be.

First of all, my machine's special mood sensors would work with the built-in heart monitor to preselect the best terrain and environment for my workouts on a given day. Feeling stressed? The machine would pipe in calming music while cueing up rolling hills on a monitor and keeping my heart within an exercised but calming state. Tired and listless? The machine would jack up the tunes with motivational sounds while its encouraging voice would coax me through the workout. On those days when it's hard to get motivated, it would be good to know that the machine would automatically put me through the paces for the maximum benefits in the least amount of time.

Now what about boredom and muscle fatigue? Since the machine would exercise all the muscles of the legs and arms simultaneously, you might begin to tire. No problem. When your muscles started to fatigue (whether you felt it or not) the machine would seamlessly shift activities, from biking to running or to the air stride of an elliptical trainer. That way you'd be more likely to exercise longer and burn more calories.

Once you're done with the cardio component of your day, a full multi-station, strength-training arm would extend from the side. You wouldn't have to waste any time waiting for the weights or roaming through the gym, because they'd all be within reach. If you had problems areas you wanted to focus on, the machine would choose the exercises you should do and politely remind you to do them. When you finish, the equipment would put itself away while you stretched, only to emerge again when it was time for your next scheduled workout.

Okay, this is definitely a fantasy. There is no one piece of equipment that can do it all and replace the gadgets and gizmos that fill your closets. But, depending on who you are and what your goals are, there are ways to make better choices on what to buy or use for exercise. This column will focus on looking at equipment, new and old, and highlight the strengths and weaknesses for different profile users. The goal is to help readers get closer to their fantasy piece (or two or three) that will ensure success in achieving their personal fitness goals.

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