Cardio, Anyone?

Often, though, while people know that they need to exercise for their own health, it is difficult for them to partake in some type of physical activity. The reasons for this are numerous and varied, ranging from the belief that exercising is not "fun" to allegations that available exercise equipment does not offer desirable features to claims that there's simply not enough time.

Regardless of the excuse, lack of physical activity is just one of several reasons Americans are gaining weight at such a rapid pace as they eat more and move less. Today, nearly 59 million Americans, or a little more than 30% of the population, are considered obese. This figure has nearly doubled since the late 1970s.


To combat this ever-increasing obesity epidemic, Technogym, the global market leader in offering well-being through physical exercise, has developed the Technogym Excite Run 700i. The company "provides a comprehensive range of professional equipment, workout and management systems, and consultancy services, all of which are tailor-made for the needs of both business operators and private consumers." Founded in 1983, Technogym has built a reputation for excellence over the years, highlighted by the fact that the company has been chosen as the official supplier of exercise and rehabilitative equipment for the 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008 Olympic Games.

The Technogym Excite Run 700i is part entertainment center and part gym, so as to entice individuals across America, and the world, to get moving and get their hearts pumping. Additionally, the treadmill offers several features to entertain any user during a workout.

While creating the treadmill, which costs around $16,000, the company took into account many human senses and incorporated several features into the design that would appeal to those senses. The machine features a built-in television, radio, and iPod dock for the user's viewing and listening pleasure, a fan that emits three "wellness scents" for the user's sense of smell, and an interactive interface which recognizes what type of user you are and adjusts appropriately to each individual's likes and needs.

Designed to facilitate the body's natural movements, all of Technogym's equipment surfaces are ergonomic. Moreover, the treadmill was developed to create a balance between absorption and energy return and to provide visual feedback by generating monitorable objectives, enhancing interaction between the user and the equipment and supplying motivation to achieve those goals. And if used regularly, the benefits of using the company's equipment include the reduction of fatty tissues, improvement of respiratory capacity, positive effects on arterial pressure and the cardiovascular system, and the toning of muscles in the legs.

Overall health is the basis for everything Technogym does. As their mission explains, "we create, design, and manufacture what is needed to improve health, fitness, and the quality of life through physical exercise."