You don't need any exercise equipment to meet the American College of Sports Medicine's recommendation that adults under age 65 do moderate to vigorous cardio exercise several times weekly. Walking and jogging both qualify as suitable cardio exercise, and require nothing more than a supportive pair of shoes. But if you want to work out inside, in limited space on a limited budget, low-cost exercise machines like the air walker start to look more attractive.
Muscles Worked
While some air walker advertisements may promise a full-body workout, the muscles worked depend on your air walker's mechanics, which vary between brands. If your feet travel in an arc that's high in front and back, and your knees don't bend at all, you're primarily working your hip flexors and glutes. If your knees do bend and straighten during the stride motion, you're also working your quads and hamstrings, and if your heels ever come up off the pedals, you're working your calves, too.
Upper Body Workout
Many air walkers have moving handles that are slaved to the foot pedals, letting you work your upper body at the same time you work your lower body. Again, which muscles are worked will depend on your air walker's specific mechanics, but most air walkers with moving handles will exercise your chest, back and arms. The downside of this is that the air walker may offer relatively low resistance, giving you little benefit compared to the amount of time and effort you put into a workout.
Low Impact
Air walkers provide a low impact workout. Because your feet never leave the air walker's pedals, there's very little pounding or jarring on your joints. This makes air walkers ideal if you have joint injuries, back problems or any other conditions that keep you from tolerating the repeated impact of exercises like running on a treadmill.
Weight Bearing
Air walker benefits vary between brands. If your air walker lets you support your full body weight on your feet and legs as you stride, it qualifies as weight-bearing aerobic exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic's definition: Aerobic exercise done on your feet with your bones supporting your weight. Weight-bearing aerobic exercise can help to strengthen the bones and joints in your lower body.
Folding
Most air walkers are designed to fold up for easy storage, upright in the closet or flat beneath a bed. This is a definite benefit for anyone living in a small space who doesn't have enough room to leave a large machine, like a treadmill or elliptical trainer, out on permanent display.
Low Cost
As of May 2010, many air walker models are readily available for $200 or less, making them attractive if you're on a very limited budget, especially if you can find an air walker on sale.
Member Comments