Are you tired of the same old workout and craving to put some extra zing in your ever-so-dull fitness routine? But as you head to the gym, remember there are plenty of new ways to burn calories nowadays courtesy the latest fitness machines — you’ll find them in the country’s top gyms. The new kids on the block include a super-advanced circuit trainer, advanced treadmill-climber and the arc trainer as well as the freshly launched high-end rowing machine.

Here’s a low-down on some cutting-edge machines that can convert a regular workout into an ultra-efficient calorie burning exercise...

Milon Strength Endurance Circuit

Circuit trainers involve multiple exercise stations that you move between quickly. Milon, producer of fitness

and training equipment, launched a ground-breaking machine in India this March. Celebrated fitness expert Mickey Mehta calls it the Rolls Royce of circuit trainers. The Milon Strength Endurance Circuit (MSEC) is a set of 12 stations that work on cardio, strength, core and stamina.

The central signal pillar sets workout times for each station according to statistics like heart rate, weight and BMI saved in the user’s smart card. Just insert the card and the stations are

programmed to your needs. The MSEC includes a club bike, a crosswalker, a chest press, abdominal machine, a leg curl, a leg extension machine, a seated row and a back extension machine.

The result is an intensive 17.5-minute workout akin to an hour-long session.

Who is it for? Circuit routines are best for competitive sports. Says Rajiv Chadha, managing director, Stag Distribution, the exclusive distributors for MSEC in India: “With its stress on strength and endurance, it’s also perfect for rehabilitating injuries.”

Pocket pinch: This one is mindbogglingly expensive. There are two circuits available. The Strength Circuit with eight stations costs around Rs 85 lakh. To install all 12 stations will set a gym back by approximately Rs 1.2 crore.

Tunturi r60 HRC

Rowing is one of the best ways to shape up as it acts on the arms, back, lower body and core muscles, and rowing machines are a great way to get an effective cardiovascular workout.

The Scandinavian fitness biggie, Tunturi, which launched in India last month, has a strong line-up of high-end, workout equipment including the r60 HRC. The r60 is a rower that offers a fluid motion and magnetic resistance. Its console monitors strokes per minute, heart rate, distance, room temperature and humidity. It also has eight pre-set programmes from starter to advanced levels. Also, it’s foldable, which makes it easy to store.

However, be careful while rowing. “Rowing may not be right for people with back problems,” says Gold’s Gym trainer Sanjay Sardar. “Try to do lower back stretches before beginning,” he says. So, make sure you’re supervised or buy a DVD that explains the proper techniques.

Who is it for: Everyone interested in a comprehensive workout. It tones legs and arms especially. But avoid it if you have back or knee problems.

Pick it up from: Lodhi Sports in Delhi

Pocket pinch: Rs 45,000 for the basic model to Rs 80,000 for an advanced model

The Bowflex Nautilus Treadclimber

A Treadclimber is a hybrid of a treadmill and a stair climber. The innovation lies in its dual treadles (unlike the one big treadle in a conventional treadmill), that gradually lift up and meet your every step as you walk. So, it does not pressurise your feet, ankles, knees or hips. However, at the same time, the Treadclimber ensures that you work on an incline and end up burning way more calories than you would on a traditional treadmill. This is because it combines low-impact walking with simulated hill-climbing by offering resistance to every step you take. So the TreadClimber burns twice the calories as a treadmill.

Who is it for? According to Harish Sachdev of Bodyline Sports, one of Calcutta’s leading fitness equipment stores: “The Treadclimber works for everyone — from beginners to avid gym junkies.”

Pick it up from: Any Bodyline Sports outlet

Pocket pinch: Rs 2.5 lakh

The CYBEX Arc Trainer

The Arc Trainer’s a non-elliptical cross-trainer which, as its name suggests, works in an arc motion. The input arms and foot pedals are pre-programmed to move in an arc that ensures maximum stretching. Prepare for a whole-body workout on this baby. When on a high incline setting, the trainer works the quads (on the legs) and on lower inclines tones the buttocks. The pre-programmed pedals don’t stress the knees even while there’s complete motion for the knees and hip.

The long input arms minimise painful wrist movements and allow a better upper body workout. The Arc also has eight ‘Preset’, nine ‘Custom’, two ‘Advanced’ modes, and a user selectable ‘Heart Rate Control’ mode. Want to walk on an incline? Try the Preset 4 setting. The machine resists more and pushes your calf muscles much like climbing a hill. Or train for strength plus cardio with the Advanced mode 2. This intensifies resistance and works out all major muscle groups together. Says Gold’s Gym trainer Sanjay Sardar, “A machine this advanced can be used at home without a trainer.”

Who is it for? Everyone from beginners to athletes

Pick it up from: Any Bodyline Sports outlet

Pocket pinch: Rs 4.65 lakh