Smooth Agile DMT Review
Taking Cross Training to a New Level
 There is not much new in the fitness equipment industry, except with elliptical trainers. Several companies are pushing the concept of a low-impact, dual workout machine to new extremes. A perfect example is the Smooth Agile DMT. Rather than just offering your basic elliptical motion, it offers a range of motions - not all elliptical in design. In the process, it provides a more complete workout than you will find on your typical elliptical trainer.
In a nutshell, the Smooth Agile allows you to exercise more efficiently and target more muscles.
Note: As of 3/8/10 the Smooth Agile DMT was selling for $2,599 with free delivery. You can save an additional $100 with the link below. There is also an excellent video demonstration.
Take $100 off the Agile DMT — Use coupon code "100offagile". ($2,499 with Free shipping). They were also offering free in-room shipping.
When I was out at the Smooth corporate headquarters, I check out the Agile. The company was very proud of this new release. When you first see it, you are not exactly sure what it is. It isn't your typical rear or front drive elliptical trainer. It almost looks futuristic.
Dynamic Motion Trainer (DMT)
I talked to Jim Mugford, head of their customer service, and asked him to describe the Smooth Agile and the benefits it provides. He said it is the only adjustable motion machine on the market. This is in contrast to an adjustable stride.
 The Agile expands beyond the limited path of an elliptical trainer by "guiding your body through twelve distinct motions. In so doing, muscles from every region of the body are recruited to form a stronger, leaner and more agile you." These twelve motions evolve from a typical elliptical stride, to a motion that is more like the shape of an eggplant.
The problem many people encounter when they workout on an elliptical trainer is they are not getting a very strenuous workout. And although the impact is substantially reduced in comparison to a treadmill, there are still issues with straining your knees and ankles. Those repetitive one-dimensional movements strain your joints, in addition to the fact it leads to boredom.
Furthermore, although you are supposedly working out both your upper and lower body, usually you are exercising limited muscles in your lower body, and applying little resistance to the upper body. The reality is the benefits of ellipticals are over exaggerated.
According to the Smooth web site, this is what you can expect with the Agile.
- In forward motion, you are getting the same benefits that you would from doing squats, lunges and abdominal crunches. Your quadriceps, glutes and core muscles are getting a solid toning workout.
- In reverse motion, you are exercising your calves and hamstrings.
- In both directions, you are also toning your arms and shoulders because the Agile doesn't just take them along for the ride as elliptical trainers do, it adds resistance to your arms, shoulders, chest and back.
Is it true? Well, I put the machine through the twelve motions and not only did the intensity of the exercise increase, but I noticed how it started using different muscles in my body as I proceeded. I could see how you would tighten up those muscles that are seldom served on an elliptical or treadmill.
Other Features of the Smooth Agile DMT
Less Stress and Strain on Your Joints - The Agile gives you a more intensive workout without increasing the impact. The agile motion decreases the repetitive strain found on most elliptical. It further reduces stress on knees, especially with adjustable stride machines. According to Jim, "The Agile has the least amount of impact as far as a cross trainer, but technically the Agile is more than an elliptical trainer."
 Articulating Foot Pedals - The Smooth Agile is designed with articulating pivoting foot pedals, which further increase the focus on different muscle groups. In addition, these pedals move with the motion and decrease stress to your ankles and reduce numbness in your feet.
Handlebar Controls - You get thumb controls in both moveable handlebars for resistance and the changing Agile motion. You don't need to break you stride to make adjustments.
Handlebar Pulse Readout - Once again, you don't have to break your stride to get your heart rate readout, in comparison to holding stationary pulse grips.
390 Lbs. Unit Weight - This is not a toy. At 390 lbs., the Smooth Agile weighs more than just about any commercial grade elliptical. Obviously, it is very stable.
Note: You get Free Shipping, which includes inside delivery. You wouldn't want this monster dropped off at the curb.
Our Review - Smooth Agile
This is a quality built, innovative exercise machine that delivers results. It takes your typical elliptical workout and moves it up several notches - getting more results in less time. However, the problem with the Agile is it is not cheap, although if time is money and you want to optimize your workout, this machine makes sense.
If I had an extra $3,500, and currently I do not because my wife wants a new kitchen, I would consider purchasing this for the home. In fact, I would seriously consider buying this machine over a Precor elliptical trainer with an adjustable incline.
One last note, I asked Jim Mugford about service issues, and he remarked he was amazed by the "minimal service concerns," considering it was a new model with a unique design.
Also check out the scaled down version - Smooth Agile DMT X2.
|