B. Epic Vertical
Knee Raise VKR)
L 50" x W 42" x H 82"

D. Epic Treadmill L 80.5" x W 36.5" x H 64.25"; folded, L 37" X W 36.5" X H 69.5"

E. Schwinn
Recumbent Bike
L 60" x W 24" x H 45"
F. Bowflex Elite

L 90" x W 38" x H 85"

C. Reebok Elliptical

L 86" x W 35" x H 66.25"

A. Smith Machine
with Cable Crossover
L 51" x W 78" x H 83"

You could set up an entire home exercise center, covering both weight and cardio training, with high-quality equipment from Costco.

G. Ivanko Dumbbell
Set with Rack
L 32" x W 42.5" x H 43"

KEN BROMAN

body joints will especially like this machine.

Nino reports ellipticals are the fastest-grow-ing exercise equipment category in the U.S. Here are the specs for Costco’s unit, made by Reebok, one of the most trusted names in exercise:

least a 20-by-54-inch tread belt, and should feature a heart-rate monitor and automatic programs. And that you should plan on spending at least $2,000.

shoulders, chest and back.

• A 20-inch stride (compared to the normal 18 inches), which rises to a 30 percent grade.

I think not: Costco’s Epic Treadmill, with even more features, sells for less than $1,000.

Key features are lat tower, fold-up leg, squat platform, adjustable pulley system, sliding seat for cardio rowing and an upgraded 310 pounds of power-rod resistance. I was stunned to learn that the Costco price is still less than $1,000!

• Eight preset intense training options.

E. Schwinn Recumbent Bike
G. Ivanko 400-Pound

• Commercial magnetic resistance (like the machines at most health clubs) for a much smoother glide. (Most home elliptical machines are designed using bands).

(Item #619009)

Dumbbell Set with Rack

(Note: Costco.com offers the IRONMAN 600e Elliptical, Item #821769, for $1,199.99.)

D. Epic Treadmill (Item #820757)

Nautilus, the legendary equipment manufacturer, created this Schwinn recumbent bike model exclusively for Costco members who range in height from 5 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 5 inches and weigh up to 300 pounds. “Bikes of this caliber start from $500 to $800,” notes Marshall. “We are selling this bike for less than $400.”

(Item #793118)

Good dumbbells are typically covered with rubber or urethane to prevent flaking, rusting and injury, and usually go for around $1.25 per pound.

Here are the specs on this upgraded Epic, a calorie-burning cardio workhorse:

• Flexible, shock-absorbent adjustable cushioning and commercial-grade two-ply 20-by-60- inch tread belt.

Top features include a handle-grip heart-rate monitor, 16 computer-controlled resistance levels, an adjustable lumbar-support seat-back cushion and a padded seat bottom (hallelujah!).

• Electrocardiogram grip pulse with 10 preset, two heart-rate-driven and two customizable treadmill programs for several degrees of workout intensity.

(Note: Costco.com offers the IRONMAN 400r Recumbent Bike, Item #783725)

Costco’s customized, cast-iron dumbbells, fitted with chrome handles and easy-grasp rubber grips, are built with hex-shaped rubber weights for added safety. The set, with a price that equals just 75 cents per pound, offers a variety of sizes and includes an extremely stable, three-tier steel storage rack.

(Pat’s tip: This item sold out in less than eight weeks last year.)

F. Bowflex Elite (Item #865444)

• A 0 to 12 percent incline option.

• Folds up to a footprint of just 37 inches long by 36.5 inches wide by 69.5 inches high.

I find it interesting that Business Week advises readers (“Gym,” August 4, 2004) that a treadmill worth purchasing should have a flexible, shock-absorbent running surface and at

The key to this commercial-quality machine— a Costco exclusive—is Bowflex’s authentic power-rod resistance, which allows for complete full-body workouts with more than 65 gym-quality exercises for abs, arms, legs,

There’s no better time than now to join the home-gym revolution. Just be forewarned that you may need to muscle your way through crowds of Costco members who’ll be exercising the same good judgment! IC

References:

http://costco.com

http://costco.com

http://costco.com

mailto:OnlineEdition@costco.com

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