Vigorous Exercisers Should Glide By These

Demonstrations of air glider machines can make workouts look like, well, a walk in the park--minus the worry about muggers or dogs. Jump on the foot pedals, grab the arm levels and pretend you’re cross-country skiing, all as you watch TV.

But if you’re looking for a vigorous workout, this isn’t it, say exercise physiologists from Cal State Northridge, who were commissioned by the American Council on Exercise to evaluate gliders.

The researchers observed seven moderately fit men, ages 23 to 29, work out on the Fitness Flyer and the Airofit gliders, each about $200. The men reached a peak heart rate of 155 beats per minute--about what they’d achieve during a quick walk or slow jog. Men of this age and fitness range should be able to reach a peak heart rate of 194 beats per minute. Calorie burn was equivalent to speedy walking or slow jogging--about 13 calories a minute for a 178-pound person. The machines proved better for improving muscular endurance than strength.

The bottom line from ACE: Regular exercisers hoping to get fitter need not spend their money, but beginners might find gliders a good way to get started.

The bottom line from manufacturers: Gliders aren’t meant for elite athletes, but for everyday exercisers hoping to burn off that extra dessert and improve their cardiovascular fitness or those who want some cross-training.

Sources: American Council on Exercise; Guthy-Renker, Fitness Flyer manufacturer.