Want to be a stronger skier? TheXtreme workout machine has got you covered. For $599, the price of a weekend of lodging and lift tickets, you can rock out on what L.A. Times gear reviewer R0y Wallack describes as “a simple, minimalist ski simulator” – basically two pivoting foot panels hooked up to springs, with two ski pole-like handles to help you sway back and forth. Wallack says it’s a quad burner, with lateral motion that makes it particularly effective for multi-directional athletes who play tennis, hockey, soccer and basketball. (650) SKI-HARD
For the price of a very nice bike (or not so nice used car)– $2,995, aspiring cyclists can get a stationary bike that will give you more biofeedback information than Houston Space Control got from the astronauts. The WATTbike is named for its ability to tell you how much power you are putting out in watts, for some reason, with graphical animation that depicts left leg versus right leg pedaling output. Other downloadable data include average and peak power, cadence, average cadence, energy expended, distance covered and heart rate (when linked with a compatible heart rate monitor). (888) WATT-BIKE
Rowers too can perfect their performance in the privacy of their living room, with the Concept 2 Dynamic Indoor Rower, said to have a “boat feel” that promotes more accurate rowing form, concentration and body control. Like a real boat, writes Wallack, the Dynamic tends to draw under you; you don’t pull your own body weight back and forth too much. The price? Dynamic PM3 is $1,250, PM4 is $1,400, plus shipping. (800) 245-5676