The Healthrider uses your own weight, with a smooth forward and back motion similar to rowing, but with more flexibility about hand and foot placement.Unlike rowing, there is resistance throughout the stroke.I purchased my original Healthrider in 1995 too.I've used it extensively over the years and can vouch that it's well built - tough as nails - and very effective.Like the ROM (Range of Motion) machine it simultaneously works most of your body, and can provide a stretch at the same time you work.The handle bars allow a biceps curl, a shoulder shrug, and a chest pull.You can also work the legs exclusively by moving the handle and the arms exclusively by using alternate foot pedals, but it's best just using all your body at once.The main strengths are: 1) rapid warm up.You get cardio, stretch, resistance training in just a few minutes.2) Full body involvment - arms, chest, and leg involvment all at the same time.You'll activate most major muscle groups.3) Good benefit in short time duration.5 minutes gets a workout you'll feel and will give you some real benefit.
The main drawbacks are: 1) not good for real cardio workout.The resistance training aspect means it's tough to do for more than 10 minutes.Your heart will benefit from a longer cardio workout.2) Resistance is light weight with many reps - good for cutting - but not good for building muscle mass or power.3) tough to get an intensive workout.
The Healthrider has emerged, over my years of experience with it, as a great niche player.It's a fantastic warmup before weights - perhaps the best machine out there for this purpose.It's also a great machine to get close to a total body workout when you only have a few minutes for a workout.5 minutes before the morning shower will definitely be worth your time.It's not a replacement for real cardio or real weight training however.Those who try to use it as such may be disappointed.
Product Description
The HealthRider® still stands as one of the best ways to get a low-impact, calorie-burning workout in minutes a day. Thanks to a wide, rotating handlebar and dual pedals, the HealthRider gives you an effective, versatile workout no matter your fitness needs. With a patented linkage system and a Smart SeatTM, the HealthRider delivers a smooth, comfortable motion every time. Other features include an LCD monitor and a built-in weight bracket, giving you added resistance for more results.
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