The NordicTrack CX650 elliptical trainer is not only a great looking machine, it's also a great machine to train with. It has everything we've come to expect from the Nordictrack brand in recent years.

The big bonus with this model has to be the iFit Workout Card Technology. These are specifically designed programmes on a card, similar to a digital camera card, to help you achieve whatever your fitness goal may be. Not only do they control the machine to take you through a series of levels of difficulty, it will also talk to you! You recieve step-by-step instructions via the built-in speakers on the console.

The CX650 comes with 5 Personal Trainer workouts that work on aerobic fitness, weight loss, or performance goals. There are also two heart rate controlled programmes that help you stay in the fat-burning zone by matching the machine's resistance to your pulse, if it slows down it increases the resistance, if it gets too high it will lower it - so it does have a heart :0)

You can measure your pulse using the grips next to the console. More expensive models also have sensors in the training handles but with this model you have to take your hands off to hold the grips to track your pulse.

The CX650 has a good stride length of 18 inches with a very smooth action and large non-slip pedals, although non-adjustable. If you get a bit warm during your workout it has a fan in the console, although it has to be said it's not that effective.

The Console/ Display Unit
The console (see left) has a backlit colour LCD display and was clear and easy to read. The slot for the iFit Workout cards is on the front - circled left. You can see your speed, time per session, distance travelled, calories burnt, a carb gram counter and your pulse rate.

From our experience of working with many clients knowing this information can help when you're getting tired. To see how many calories you've burnt and how far you've gone can inspire you to keep going to the end of your programme. The one touch buttons to change resistance is a nice touch as this saves you having to scroll through the settings whilst trying to do a manual workout or override an automatic programme - you have 10 resistance levels to choose from.

Practical Information
This is a foldable trainer so if space is a little tight you can reduce its length and slide it away out of sight. The folding mechanism is well-designed so it was easy to operate. Moving the machine around is pretty straight forward thanks to the built-in transport wheels fitted at the front, it can be moved either folded or fully extended.

Ease of portability can be a major factor in choosing a trainer because if you're not feeling too motivated to train, the thought of struggling to get your trainer into place may be enough to put you off! If it's easy you've got no excuse :0)

Pros: iFit Workout Cards, variation of programmes, good stride length, stylish, the folding mechanism.

Cons: No heart rate sensors in the workout handles.

Our score : 8.5 ( out of 10 ) An excellent trainer with some great features.


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The Life Fitness X3 Elliptical Cross Trainer on first look appears very similar trainer to the X1 model with extras, but it does cost an extra £370. For that you get better pedals with a more comfortable feel, hand pulse sensors in the stationery handles plus a mini control panel situation by the grips for use with their CoachZone Activity Zone, a programme that changes the motion of the handles and foot pedals to work either the glutes (your butt muscles) or the arms for extra toning.

Whilst it may seem a lot to pay for a few extras over the X1, this machine does have a better overall feel to it. The more ergonomically designed stationery handles allow you to really work the lower body in a better position. Plus if you find the chest strap heart monitor uncomfortable to wear the hand grips are an alternative although not quite so accurate - a feature the X1 doesn't have.

The X3 has a massive 20 inch stride length where most other trainers on the market are 18 inches or less. The longer stride pattern delivers a truer 'elliptical' pattern which means the action is smoother, kinder to your joints and easier to use even when at full speed.

The advanced console has a good variation of programmes including 5 heart rate controlled workouts to help shift the fat and burn up the calories. The X3 comes with a chest strap that transmits your heart beat to the console. Life Fitness have probably the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market and these programmes ensure you get the most from each training session.

However, be warned that the X3 is a big machine so if you need to be moving it around you'll probably need a helping hand.

Conclusion:

It's no surprise that Life Fitness have produced yet another gem of a machine. The X3 trainer is a real treat to use and with all the programmes you'll never get bored of using it so you'll soon achieve your fitness targets - and then some!


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The action of the Life Fitness X1 Elliptical Cross Trainer is unbelievably smooth and quiet and the range of programmes is a great to stay motivated to keep up the training. The 'advanced' refers to the functions of the console that include the wireless heart monitoring several more programmes than the X1 Basic.

The Life Fitness x-series ellipticals are designed for what they call a 'total-body workout'. The elliptical action of the pedals combined with the shape and positioning of the handles synchronise your upper and lower body movement to burn more calories whilst not feeling so difficult. We initially thought this was just marketing speak but we put it to the test and compared it to another trainer on a calorie goal programme - and guess what? It did actually feel less effort to burn 500 calories on the X1!

The Life Fitness X1 has a massive 20 inch stride length where most other trainers are either 16 or 18 inches. The longer the stride length the more 'elliptical' pattern you get which means the action is smoother, kinder to your joints and easier to use even when at full speed.

The advanced console has 5 heart rate controlled programmes that are ideal for burning off the calories and getting rid of the fat. The console alters the resistance level or sets a speed to keep your heart pumping at a set rate of 70%, 80% or 90% of your maximum rate depending on your age. The X1 comes with a chest strap that transmits your heart beat to the console. Life Fitness have probably the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market and these programmes ensure you get the most from each training session.

There are also goal workouts so you can set a specific target for a session such as a distance or total calories you want to burn. So if you've had a big meal the night before you can set the calorie goal to 2,500 and get going :0) With the advanced console you can store two user profiles so you and your partner can keep a track of your progress. The console has a backlit LCD display window to display everything you need to know about your training session. To select and change setting or training intensity is easy enough using the large buttons.

A few nice touches also make it a very practical trainer to use such as a reading rake for your book - although you won't be needing that on the Extreme Heart Rate Programme - and space for two bottles. However, this is a big machine so if you need to be moving them around it would take two people to do so.

Conclusion:
The X1 Advanced is probably one of the best in this price range we've tried. Yes, it's pricey but you do get a heck of a lot of machine for it!

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Exercise bikes are very good for exercising cardio, burning fat, strengthening muscles and building on the levels of endurance. It does not really matter where you use the exercise bike; whether it is before a bodybuilding exercise, the essential thing is to make sure you know the safety and basic uses that pertain to a full throttle bike exercise.

Naturally, there exist two exercise bike styles, the recumbent and upright styles, which have the same operation. To begin the exercise, position your frame upon the bike seat and put the feet upon the pedals. Adjust the bike seat to be able to close the range towards a full extension of the knee, but make sure you don't go beyond the normal limits. For comfort, try to adjust the seat-back angle. Immediately you feel ready to don't hesitate. The go ahead then starts the bike machine and the remaining item is to select which workout programs you want from the preset available, or you can personalize the workout to the limits that you want. You can also use the bike to harness your aerobic fitness by doing intervals. For exact warm ups, cycle fast for around 30 seconds, slow down for about 60 seconds and repeat the exercise. To end the exercise bike workout, decrease slowly the bike speed till you have reached that final stop.

As a word of caution, use the pedal straps if your exercise bike has, since they could halt an injury that may be brought by an over-extension or a slippage. Always remember to make a consultation with your doctor before you embark on any exercise program.

The basic operations are quite easy but shopping for an exercise bike is very intimidating. The exercise bikes come in distinct brands, styles, and models which makes it a complex affair to purchase the right bike for your exercise endeavors. Have in mind that the exercise bike which you are buying is a crucial investment. It is a true investment mostly for those people who have made a decision to start that important step towards true health and physical agility.

Invest on an exercise bike that is well constructed and your whole family will always offer thanks for it. Choose the one which has been built with the use of steel alloys or aluminum frames since they are very strong and can support any heavy person.

Some bikes come with a noise control and come in handy when you want to camouflage any noise. You can go through all the motions to assess the level of noise of the exercise bike. Also, you have a choice to make between getting a recumbent bike or an upright one. It all depends on your taste and preference. A recumbent bike has a characteristic sitting position, as if you are on a chair and works well for those who have back problems, while the upright type is the perfect choice for anybody who wants a spinning workout with a classical seating position. Always test the exercise bikes and make your choice.



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