Machines to help you take a load off

By Roy Wallack Gear
April 5, 2010
 
"Every runner over 45 that I see in here has advanced osteoarthritis in his knees," my doctor told me last year before recommending surgery for my torn meniscus. "I tell all you guys the same thing: The impact is too much. Switch to the elliptical or cycling.'" Instead, some runners take up impact-reducing techniques such as the Pose Method, ChiRunning, aqua-jogging or barefooting. Others eye innovative running machines; indoor and outdoor; that once might have been reserved just for rehabilitation and high-performance training. If you're addicted to the runner's high and want to save what's left of your cartilage before it's too late, one of these expensive contraptions might be worth the investment in the long run.
 
Escaped gym rat

Elliptigo 8S elliptical bicycle: A stationary-handled, 40-pound elliptical machine on wheels that is targeted at runners.

Likes: Superb all-body cardio workout, great all-day fun and a motion fairly close to running. Like the similarly exhilarating Street Strider reviewed here a couple of months ago but with a slightly quicker learning curve, the Elliptigo's elliptical motion gives you a fast, upright, joint- and back-friendly joyride. It falls just short of full cycling velocities (due to additional wind-resistance and low gearing) but has a much better view than a bike and a very satisfying feeling of speed. Most important, you can ride it all day, or all week, as ultra-running star Dean Karnazes proved a few weeks ago on a trip from San Francisco to Santa Monica. I joined him for the final 8-hour, 100-mile push from Santa Barbara. My iffy right knee didn't hurt a bit as I battled headwinds and the Malibu hills, cranking up the leverage by rocking the handlebars back and forth. "It's enough like running that it's gotten me back into exercise," I was told by 53-year-old John Pilkington of San Diego, an ex-runner with a bad back who never liked bikes but who bought one of these last month.

Dislikes: The Shimano 8-speed hub works well but needs a higher top-end gear. I spun out and lost some speed on the flats and downhills without it.

Price: $2,195.

Wallack is the author of "Run for Life: The Breakthrough Plan for Fast Times, Fewer Injuries, and Spectacular Lifelong Fitness." roywallack@aol.com
 
 
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http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-gear-20100405,0,3822795.column