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Boring...How can you do that? You read on that thing? Still Boring. Typical comments from my friends and family about my favorite means of exercise - aerobic machines.

I get most of my aerobic workouts on elliptical cross trainers, stair machines or exercise bikes. Most people don't get it, but I love the convenience. I can read or watch TV while working out. I can do it at home or at a health club. I started working out on a Stairmaster 20 years ago while working at a law firm that didn't give me time to schedule aerobic classes. An aerobic machine was the perfect solution for me. A few years ago, my husband got me a Stairmaster for Christmas. My friends were appalled; I was delighted!

Stair and elliptical machines started with the first step machine in 1983. Elliptical machines came around a few years later as people invented other kinds of machines that were more effective yet still offered low impact aerobic workouts. The best news about these machines is the low impact on knees and joints, unlike running.

The effectiveness of various aerobic machines is under debate. Some experts believe that not all of the machines are as effective as a treadmill, and certainly not as effective as walking or running outside. It's a solo exercise activity. According to www.fatburn.com, a 130 pound woman exercising at a moderate (aerobic) level burns around 450 calories per hour on either a stair or elliptical machine. When I work out, the machines reflect anywhere from 400 to 550 calories per hour. I'm not sure which count is accurate, but in any case, it's a great way to get an aerobic workout. Just don't count on the calorie figures to be exact. It's important to maintain proper posture when working out on elliptical or stair machines to get a full benefit. It's way too easy to cheat and lean against the front of the machine, reducing the effectiveness of the exercise by as much as 30%.

Most machines have standard features: heart monitor, calorie counter, time keeper, step counter. Some more advanced machines allow for resistance differences, more incline options and programmable workouts. Stairmasters are great for working out glutes and hamstrings, unlike many machines that focus on quads. Elliptical machines with movable arms provide for a full body workout. Any health club has a variety of new and old styles of aerobic machines.

There is also one piece of aerobic equipment that is cheap, easy to use and perfect for travel - the jump rope.