Companies are also introducing new fitness equipment for home and commercial use with little or no impact.

"We see now that over the years joints have taken a huge beating, especially when people overdo workouts on the old cardio training equipment," said Strout.

Technogym has recently introduce what it calls its Wave, which was voted "Cardio Piece of the Year." It is a cross between an elliptical trainer, stair climber and treadmill. The concept is that the users can get a complete lower-body workout with a "floating motion" without stress on the hips, back or lower body. Taking a slightly different angle during a workout works the quadriceps, gluts and hamstrings without stress to other joints.

Other companies have also joined the high-tech fitness world. Nautilus, for example, has introduced a treadmill with more cushion for less impact.

Its "control technology helps protect the user's ankles, knees, hips and back."

Kyle Hardy and Bryce Miles, with Summit Fitness Equipment, said Expresso has introduced a high-tech recumbent and upright bike with "a video screen that can display 30 different animated courses. As you ride you actually steer the bike and change gears. And as you watch on the TV screen, and you see yourself going up a hill, the resistance gets more difficult. The various courses are very realistic.

"You can also connect bikes together and ride along or race against each other. It's all very realistic."

Another line of equipment Summit carries is Octane, which recently introduced a high-tech seated elliptical machine that offers the comfort of a recumbent bike and the similar motion of an elliptical machine.

"Some people have problems standing up on a regular elliptical machine because of their knees and back. Elliptical equipment, though, offers a better working because of the arm motion. It offers a better workout and a more comfortable one," said Miles.

The machine delivers cardiovascular, low-impact, total-body benefits but from a seat rather than standing. The users can choose to work the entire body or isolate either the upper or lower body.

Stuart Carter of Foothill Fitness, which carries the Life line of fitness equipment, also noted that the main word in high-end fitness equipment is entertainment. "Higher-end clubs and hotels are going to integrated TV systems for entertainment. The whole concept is to take people away from the stress, duress and idea of working out.

"With the TV screens people can create their own workout, like running or riding through a countryside or in the mountains. It's very realistic and makes the workout more entertaining."