Last week, a new gene doping story broke just as I was preparing my final grades for the end of semester and desperately trying to finalise details for the the research trip to the Torino Olympics. Repoxygen has been billled as the first case of genetic doping. Naturally, the media has gone crazy trying to understand what this means and sports officials already claim that a test is already under development.

Interestingly, the claim about this new method of doping using ‘repoxygen’ was discovered through heresay:

“The springboard for these dire pronouncements was an email German police found on the computer belonging to former east German coach to Katrin Krabbe, Thomas Springstein, who is on trial at the moment for doping under-age female athletes. The message complained how “difficult it is to get hold of Repoxygen. Please give me new instructions so that I can get hold of the product for Christmas”. Michael Butcher, Scotland on Sunday [who, by the way, didnt bother to call me for an opinion!]

I’m off to Turin tomorrow and already have interviews lined up on this subject. On the approach to Athens, scientists were claiming that Beijing might be our first Gene Games, but it seems Turin might have that famous title.
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I am writing from the Torino Media Centre within the City after having read and heard a lot more about Repoxygen. Over the last few days, there have been a number of journalists getting in touch wanting to find out about this. On Thursday, I interviewed for the Canadian Broadcast Corporation’s evening news. I spoke with Tom Harrington, whom I first met in Toronto when Genetically Modified Athletes came out. It’s so good to speak to Tom, as he is genuinely interested in the broader philosophical questions that the development in technology provokes. I am also interviewing for CBC’s The Hour on Monday, which will take place at the Main Media Centre in Torino.

From what I have seen, doping has been high on the news agenda for Torino. There still seems a lot of confusion about whether genetic doping is taking place and there are no confirmed cases. However, there does seem to be a lot of uncertainty about the circumstances here, which is quite different from Athens where nearly no discussions emerged during Games time about whether gene doping might be happening.

From what I have read, there is also less clarity about how best to deal with genetic doping. While WADA and others wish to treat it as just another form of doping, i believe that there is also a philosophical uncertainty about the future of doping and its bearing on humanity. This ambiguity relates to the broader changes within society through technology. In the end, we appear to live within a culture of enhancement and, in this environment, the relevance of prohibiting genetically modified athletes is weakened. All that remains is the medical interest to protect its integrity and the safety of athletes.

If any journalist would like to call me for interview while in Torino, I can be contacted on:

0034 6365 0302
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The title of this entry is the same as that used in the new UK inquiry from the Science and Technology Select Committee in the UK Government. Its off to a good start already, avoiding the pejorative terminology of doping. I am optimistic that it will broaden the debate and its good to see it on the agenda. A representative from the Committee also attended the ‘rethinking enhancement in sport‘ session at the James Martin Institute Tomorrow’s People conference the other week (photo, with Professor Julian Savulescu).

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(Ottawa, Ontario April 12, 2006) The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the team of eminent Canadians who guide the work of the organization are Dr. Franoise Baylis, one of Canadas most respected authorities on bioethics, and Ms. Beckie Scott, an Olympic medallist in cross-country skiing.
http://www.cces.ca/pdfs/CCES-MR-BaylisScott-E.pdf
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Most of my blogging now takes place through Wordpress, which is offering great flexibility for publishing online. As such, I have created categories within my own weblog, one of which covers the subject of this blog. I hope also that the new space helps you keep in touch with my other work. The blog can be found here:

http://andymiah.wordpress.com

If you wish to include a link to the bioethics and sport category in the blog, you can use the following domain, which will remain a permanent link for any Bioethics and Sport content (just in case wordpress loses its edge):

http://www.bioethicsport.org.uk

Please also use this link if you are including my Bioethics and Sport blog within any links or resource list.

So, take a look, the most recent entry include a brief commentary on the first Select Committee meeting on Human Enhancement Technologies in Sport.
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An elliptical trainer (also cross trainer) is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries.

Elliptical trainers offer a non-impact cardiovascular workout that can vary from light to high intensity based on the resistance preference. Most elliptical trainers work the user’s upper and lower body (although some models do not have moving upper body components), although using an elliptical trainer is designed to elevate the heart rate more than building muscles.

They can be powered with AC electricity for adjustment of motion and/or for supplying their electronic consoles and resistance systems. Current models incorporate adjustable resistance via friction belt (obsolete), magnetic or electromagnetic devices.

On some models, the incline of sloping roller ramps beneath the pedal-links can be adjusted to produce varying pedal motion paths. The result of such adjustment changes the burdens on various muscle groups in the legs. Some mechatronic models can vary both the incline and resistance over the course of a workout according to a preset program. Some trainers can be driven in a reverse and forwards direction.

Ellipticals are primarily driven via the legs, and most are combination designs having handle-levers attached to each pedal-link for the purpose of enabling a burden on the arms to provide a secondary source of driving power. The user grips the handles below shoulder height and pushes/pulls them while shuffling the feet back and forth within their “elliptically” (misnomer) shaped paths. Thus the oscillating handle motions are dependently coordinated with the constrained pedal motions. Poorly designed machines are too dependent on the user’s leg power, producing excessive handle speeds as a result of mechanical ratios that do not provide enough advantage to the handle-levers. Consequently such machines feel to the user like their arms are simply going along for the ride, rather than sharing in the work. The better models offer a harmonious combination of arm and leg exercise in the correct ratios.

Many consumer models found in sporting good and big-box retail stores can only handle users weighing no more than 250 lbs, and cost $1000 (US) or less. Higher-end consumer elliptical machines, like the Quantum Fitness,Precor, Life Fitness, and brands found in specialty stores, can accommodate users up to 400 lbs, and range in price from $1300 to $5400 (US). These elliptical trainers offer a more natural feel and comfortable stride as they are larger and more robustly constructed. Some manufacturers may also produce commercial models which focus on durability and are made to withstand the more frequent use of the fitness club environment. These units typically sell for well over $4,000 (US) and offer greater durability and programming than the typical home user would ever need.

An elliptical cross trainer is comparable to a treadmill in its exertion of leg muscles and the heart. However, because the user’s limbs remain in continuous contact with the machine, its operation limits the dynamic loading of bones and joints to generally harmless levels. This non-impact aspect appeals to those with recent injuries, chronic knee problems, and the obese, who cannot tolerate a treadmill. Ellipticals produce an intermediate range of leg motion between that of stationary bikes and treadmills.

There are claims that the dual action exercise of an elliptical trainers can actually be more efficient in burning calories. The logic is that by exercising more muscle groups simultaneously, a more intense workout can be achieved in less time. It is also suggested that the perceived rate of exertion is lower. However, other studies have shown that the rate in which calories are burned on an elliptical trainer is similar to that on a treadmill.Regardless, elliptical trainers are growing in popularity. One reason may be that because the person who is exercising is not taking his or her feet off of the pedals, an exercise can be done at a gentler rate, still getting the same amount of results as a treadmill.

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The best elliptical trainers from Schwinn for a good over all cardio workout.

The 438 elliptical features 21 different workout programs for variety. The telemetric and grip heart-rate monitors make monitoring your progress a breeze. Your comfort comes first with the build-in 3-speed adjustable fan, water bottle holder and magazine rack.

Product Info
21 programs provide a workout variety
Telemetric and grip heart-rate make monitoring your progress a breeze
4 User Settings let everyone keep track of their previous workout
Quiet, magnetic ECB (Eddy Current Brakes) give you 8 levels of resistance
Handlebars have 3 positions so everyone can find their comfort zone
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According to Gary Gresham, an expert author on fitness, there are so many elliptical trainer benefits to list that some would say it’s the perfect way to exercise. Elliptical exercise trainers meet the overall need of any exercise program. They combine a weight bearing exercise that limits the impact on the body while optimizing the cardiovascular benefits creating a total body workout routine.

One of the best elliptical trainer benefits is the weight bearing exercises that help in maintaining and improving bone density. Elliptical cross trainers burn more calories and make you feel like you have been on a brisk walk with all the benefits of a good jogging session.

The elliptical motion of the machine provides low impact because your feet never leave the footpads. It creates a smooth and continuous movement that eliminates the stress on your joints. This provides a totally impact free cardio workout routine.

The elliptical exercise trainers are programmed with different training settings to help monitor your cardio workout routine and allow you to set one, two or all three of the following: resistance, speed and ramp. The workouts can be very intense or relatively easy depending on the training program you select.

Elliptical cross trainers provide a great workout for your lower body as well as toning and building leg muscles. It’s ideal for losing weight because it burns more calories that a treadmill or exercise bike. If you are overweight it helps you burn calories while you seem to be leisurely gliding along. Grab the moving handles and work the upper body muscles for a total body workout routine.

Elliptical cross trainers are one of the best pieces of exercise equipment to hit the fitness industry in years. They provide a relatively easy and enjoyable form of exercise that you will look forward to coming back to over and over again.

Several gyms are buying more elliptical exercise trainers because the demand is so great. Once you use one you’ll be hooked because thirty minutes is all it takes for a total body workout routine. You exercise at whatever level you are or whatever level you want to achieve.

You can challenge yourself on your high energy days or you can just maintain on other days. The choice is up to you. Getting fit, losing weight and improving your overall health are only a few elliptical trainer benefits.

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The Schwinn 418 elliptical trainer is a Nautilus product, and overall Nautilus builds quality machines that are durable and perform well. For the price you are getting quality at a moderate price. The Schwinn 418 is one of the most popular elliptical trainers on the market.

It comes with an articulating footplate that follows the natural motion of your foot and supports your heel through the stride. It has a 18″ stride that can accommodate a wide range of users.

There are 12 workout programs including rolling, valley, fat burn, ramp, random, plateau, intervals, mountain, 2 heart rate, 1 fitness test and manual mode. The LCD display provides feedback on time, speed, distance, RPM’s, resistance level, calories, calories per hour, load, heart rate and course profile.

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Treadmills have always been popular exercise machines all over the world used by every age group. People who use tread mills can be of any body type from atheletic to even obese ones or over weight people. Almost every one is familiar to treadmill which can be used for walking or running .

Now there is another exercise machine that is gaining popularity and will be even more effective than treadmills and that is an elliptical trainers. Now how do both these machines compare?

Treadmills

Treadmill machines are created for performing functions such as walking, jogging, or running, as well as simulated hill climbing. (Some treadmills are better suited for walking and are not made to support users over a certain weight limit.) Higher quality treadmills tend to be suitable for walking or running and can handle larger and heavier users. Commercial units that are found in gyms are generally capable of supporting more weight than most home units. However, high-end models of home treadmills can be quite sturdy and comparable to a commercial unit.

Exercising on a treadmill is good for cardio workouts, to burn calories and to increase your energy levels.

Treadmills can be automatic in which you have preset programs according to the intensity of the workout you want. Or you can manually adjust them for their height, incline levels and speed.

As in every exercise, a beginner should start from a low intensity workout and as he gains more strength and stamina he should increase the intensity for a good workout. Your body should feel a good exercise.

Running on a treadmill is better than running on hard surfaces like pavements in many ways . Nicely cushioned running surface provides less impact on the knees, shins, ankles, back, and joints. As a result, the runner who uses a treadmill is less likely to sustain a running injury than a runner who runs upon a harder surface. (Nonetheless, a runner’s body will still experience impact when the foot lands on the belt. Up to 2 1/2 your body weight).

And You don’t have to worry about road or trail hazards when exercising on a treadmill. You need only maintain your rhythm on the moving belt. You dont have to worry about the weather as you do it indoors .

But some people, in fact quite a lot of them who are not used to it , find it a little tough to keep pace with the rotating belt. And they have to grab the hand rails until they are comfortable again. Holding handrails can restrict your motions and movements to lower body only, limiting the benefits.

Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical trainers are relatively new but they are gaining popularity very fast. Elliptical trainers allow the athlete to burn a similar number of calories as jogging…but without the risk of injury to the back, knees, hips, or ankles. Your feet never leave the pedals. As a result, this type of machine is quite low-impact and goes easy on the joints. In fact, whereas exercising on a treadmill requires your body to absorb the impact force of walking or running, exercising on an elliptical can be compared to running in midair.

Because ellipticals are so low-impact and easy on the joints, this type of exercise equipment may very well be one of the best choices for older people or for individuals who are recovering from a joint injury. Elliptical machines mimic the normal elliptical motion of the foot, the extension of the leg, and the rotation of the hip during walking or running. This motion uses all the leg muscles, giving you a total lower-body workout.

Unlike treadmills , elliptical trainers also give you a upper body workout. , the hands grip the moving handlebars, exercising the arms. The movement of the dual handlebars mimics cross-country skiing.

Because elliptical trainers DO work the upper and lower body simultaneously, the heart rate climbs more quickly. Thus, less time is required to achieve more results. The amount of energy expended is optimized. As the legs are being worked, the back, shoulders, chest, biceps, and triceps are also working …making it possible to burn more calories in less time. (An optimal workout need only be about 20-30 minutes long.)

The foot pedals can be worked in a forward or reverse direction. When you change the direction of the pedals, you’ll target your lower body in different ways. It is nice to be able to add versatility to your elliptical workouts, and such a change works to ensure optimal training of the leg muscles.

The intensity level can be adjusted on elliptical equipment to fit your personal level of fitness. Resistance may be added as desired to increase the workload on your legs throughout the forward or backward stride.

Additional benefits of elliptical training include its ability to build bone density and to inhibit the onset of osteoporosis. Everyone needs strong, healthy bones. This is especially a concern as we grow older, and our body’s bone mass begins to deteriorate. Elliptical exercise can inhibit bone deterioration and actually improve bone thickness.

An elliptical device is safe to use (i.e. it stops when you stop). It uses very little electricity and is economical to operate. Because of its lesser impact, there is less wear and tear of the machine, making maintenance quite low. It has a small footprint, so it takes up less floor space than other fitness equipment. And, as with the treadmill, it allows you to exercise in a controlled environment for more comfort and convenience.

So in all they are more efficient machines than treadmills and you can loose fat and get in shape without being tough on your knees and joints.

Also read other related articles-

• Maximum workouts
• Elliptical trainer benefits
• Elliptical trainers

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