Once upon a time, cross-country ski machines were common sights at garage sales across the country. While you'll still stumble across a skier machine every now and then, you're now at least as likely to find treadmills for sale. Either piece of equipment represents a valuable find at second-hand prices if it's something that you're willing to use consistently.
Benefits
Both skiers and treadmills can help you reap the benefits of regular aerobic exercise. These include management of diabetes and high blood pressure, reduced risk of conditions such as stroke and some types of cancer, increased stamina, lower cholesterol, weight loss and less depression, according to MayoClinic.com. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends moderate cardiovascular exercise 30 minutes a day, five times a week, or vigorous cardio exercise 20 minutes a day, three days a week, to maintain fitness and well-being.
Muscles Worked
Treadmills offer a complete lower-body workout but don't have any mechanism for working your upper body at the same time. While your range of motion at the knee joint is limited on a skier compared with a treadmill, the skier lets you work the large muscles in your chest and back at the same time you're working your lower body.
Impact
Skier machines offer a low-impact workout because your feet never leave the ski footpads. Walking on a treadmill is considered low-impact exercise, too, but running on a treadmill jars your body repeatedly, so it's considered high-impact. If you have back or joint problems that keep you from tolerating a high-impact workout but still want to exercise at an intense level, you're better off with a skier machine than a treadmill.
Weight-Bearing
Both the skier machine and treadmill offer a weight-bearing workout, since your feet and legs support your body weight. Weight-bearing exercise helps build stronger bones, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sport Specificity
The principle of sports specificity dictates that you get better at what you practice. Cross-training for fitness and injury prevention aside, if you want to get better at golf, you'll practice golf. Skier machines let classic-style skiers continue using the same muscles in the same way they'd use them on the trail. A treadmill gives runners the same benefit.
Cost
As of June 2010, a new skier machine retails for about $1,000, although exercise equipment manufacturers regularly offer steep discounts. You can purchase a quality running treadmill in the same price range, although heavy-duty or high-powered home treadmills can easily cost twice as much as the basic skier.
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