Whither the Segway

Hey, wait for me!The other day in New York City, we saw someone, er, pedaling a crazy contraption like this, southbound in traffic, alongside whizzing yellow cabs and hulking delivery trucks. It was a funny moment, like seeing a trailer for the forthcoming scary movie Escape From The Gym! (starring Will Ferrell, of course). If the extraterrestrials are studying earthling behavior, what would they make of this odd collision of instincts: the narcotic effect of spinning has taken bikers inside, while the concrete-jungle-inspired elliptical machine, an urban gym fixture, has been re-configured for the out of doors? Chicken, egg....

Well, it turns out, that one model, the ElliptiGo, was invented out of necessity.  In 2005, company co-founder and former cyclist and Ironman triathlete Bryan Pate could not longer run because of hip and knee injuries. A lifetime of contact and endurance sports had caught up with him, and by the ripe age of 32 he could only engage in low-impact exercise. He considered returning to cycling but he'd always found the saddle of a bike and the riding position seriously uncomfortable, and besides, cycling workouts take too much time. So, he started using the indoor elliptical trainer. He he liked the exercise, but he hated being locked in a gym. To solve this problem, he decided to buy a low-impact running device he could ride on the street. Foreshadow next new fitness craze........

Meanwhile in Britain, great minds think alike. 

Fitness By Madge

In partnership with her manager Guy Oseary and New Evolution Ventures (NEV), Madonna has announced the launch of Hard Candy Fitness global gyms which will open in major cities around the world. The first Hard Candy Fitness is a 30,000 square foot space scheduled to open in Mexico City mid November in the exclusive Bosques de las Lomas area. Madonna, who has been reported to work out intensely as many as three times a day, will be there to snip the ribbon.

Madonna, rarely far from the gym

"Our goal is to create an environment inspired by Madonna's vision and high standards of what the ideal gym would be.  Hard Candy Fitness will be a reflection of Madonna's point of view and will reflect her input on every detail including music space, light and other design cues.  Madonna's touch will be everywhere," stated NEV Chairman Mark Mastrov.

Hard Candy Fitness will offer training methods including private, group and dynamic training including traditional classes such as Zumba, Latin Moves and Cardio Kickboxing as well as new programming designed specifically for the brand.  The fitness center will also include a Bike Studio, a Mind Body Studio featuring something called The Great Wall, where members can practice BarWorks, Sculpting, Capoeira and the newest trends in Yoga. It will also house a healthy alternative juice bar, or bar de zumos, depending on your time zone. The locker rooms, well, the locker rooms will be lavish.

Members will also have access to high-tech cardiovascular equipment with personal viewing screens, more than 60 pieces of strength equipment, free weights and the myriad group fitness, functional training accessories and brands including PreCor, Hoist, Free Motion, Nautilus, Hammer Strength, StarTrac, AbCoaster, and TRX suspension training.

No word yet on membership fees, first U.S. outpost, or the chances of Madonna leading arm-sculpting workshops or krumping classes.