When was the last time you used an exercise machine where you could actually measure the results from your use?

This season I received an early Christmas present in the form of a "Skier's Edge" exercise machine. This is a machine that simulates skiing and one of the best dry-land trainers that I have ever experienced. My first introduction to the Skier's Edge was last fall where I had the opportunity to participate in a ski show at Park Meadows Mall along with PMTS founder Harald Harb, World Freestyle Ski Champ John Clendenin, Extreme Ski Champ Chris Anthony and World Powder 8 Champion Franz Fuchsberger. It was my first taste of what the Skier's Edge was all about. While Harald, John, Chris and Franz were all familiar with the Skier's Edge I was the only neophyte.

In trying the machine at the show I found myself awkwardly trying to maintain a semblance of balance. The others however had no trouble taking the machine to the limit. Needless to say the Skier's Edge was the hit of the show and was almost impossible to keep the boys off the machine. Champions all, they touted the Skier's Edge as the ultimate in ski conditioning and it was after watching them use it that I knew I had to have one. I ordered the machine the day of the show and waited with anticipation.

The Skier's Edge arrived in early December, only a few weeks before Christmas. Even before the box had a chance to warm to room temperature my son was begging me to set it up. Once assembled in my living both my son and daughter lived on the Skier's Edge the first two weeks it was up and running. Ironically two weeks after we got the machine we went to A-Basin where I saw noticeable ski improvements in both my children, which I directly attribute to the use on the Skier's Edge. I saw an increase not only in technical ability with lateral movements but in the strength and fluidity of individual turns as well. This is the first machine that I've found that not only simulates skiing movements but also actually conditions you for your ski experience. What's even more exciting is that the Skier's Edge uses the muscles and the movements most closely associated with skiing and in particular the same movements found in the Primary Movements Teaching System.

"The Skier's Edge is fun because it's rhythmic," says Franko Vatterott, Marketing Director for Skier's Edge. "Unlike traditional exercise machines, there is no impact or jarring of the knees or joints." The Skier's Edge is a sturdy machine based on a platform that rests on two rails and emphasizes lateral or side-to-side movements. "Power Bands" work in conjunction with the rails and can be adjusted to varying tensions, from easy to hard to increase the amount of effort or work. The platform or carriage on which you stand is also interchangeable.

There are four different types of platforms; Classic Parallel Carver, uses a platform with linked footpads that force the user to edge properly through correct angulation. Black Diamond is the strength-training platform and works one leg at a time. All Mountain Master has two independent footpads where the stance can be adjusted in one of five ways. (This one is my favorite in that you can initiate little toe tipping movements that are found in PMTS). The Powder/Mogul Master (PMM) is the most intense. As one moves side to side, the user, by extending and retracting the legs, is sucking the legs up as if he/she is skiing a mogul run. I have been using the Skier's Edge daily since it first arrived in early December. What I found slightly depressing at first was how poor my balance was when I first tried the machine. I have been using the All Mountain Master which features a platform with two independent "trays" for your feet. The trays allow you to tip the inside foot towards the little toe side and balance simultaneously as you would if you were doing the Phantom Move. I've mentioned many times in this column that skiing is all about balance and the better or more refined your balance the better you will ski. Since first beginning the Skier's Edge in December I can say without a doubt that my balance has definitely improved. Touted as the #1 ski conditioner in the world, the Skier's Edge is used and endorsed by the U.S., Swiss, Canadian, Austrian, French, German and Norwegian Ski Teams. And the Skier's Edge is not limited to skiing. It works for a multitude of sports and found not only in skiing but many other sports as well. As a matter of fact the Skier's Edge is also an excellent training device for many other sports besides skiing. The best part is that it's simple and easy to use, just hop on and go. You can adjust the different platforms or the tension straps for the type of workout you want. The Skier's Edge can also be used with a safety or balance bar for maximum support or with ski poles to simulate skiing. The ultimate challenge (and workout) is using the Skier's Edge without either poles or the bar. Because the machine emphasizes lateral movements it is considered an ideal cross trainer as well as aerobic and knee conditioner. It specifically targets the legs and knees found in most athletic movement and works for a wide variety of sports such as golf, tennis, running, cycling, racquetball, basketball, football, soccer, hockey, and water skiing. Prices begin around $795.00 and are well worth the investment as the ideal conditioner. It takes up minimal space so it is the perfect addition to home or office. For a free video or brochure call 800-225-9669 ext. 705