Let's face it, most of us lead such sedentary lives that even a walk in the park can exhausts us. We get fatter and lazier every day, so a bit of working out couldn't hurt. However, for some reasons, few of us manage to find the time to go to a gym or to go jogging in the park. A good idea would be going to work by bicycle, but we love our cars or scooters too much to give them up.

The new product from Pumgo offers an interesting solution to this problem. It is the world's first pedal-powered scooter, an innovation described by its producer as being “a joy to ride.” Besides being a way of spending your free time, it supposedly gives you a “full body cardiovascular workout.”

The Pumgo is powered by two reciprocal pedals similar to the up and down motion of a stationary stair climber. It features a three-wheel design that is more stable and safer than, let's say, a regular bike.

Dr. Dan Batchelder from Atlanta, who specializes in sports medicine, stresses the importance of a balanced workout. “Bowling, golf, push scooter riding and skateboarding only work one side of the body, leading to lower back pain and muscle imbalance,” he says. “The Pumgo Scooter, however, is a symmetrical exercise designed to strengthen both sides of the body. Additionally, the Pumgo Scooter delivers a faster, more efficient workout than running or biking.”

Other advantage is that it brings the workout outdoors instead of the boring regular gyms. It is recommended for ages 8 and up and weighs about 27 pounds. It can be easily packed and fits well in any normal trunk.

The Pumgo scooter sells for about $300. The producer also offers another innovation, the Pumgo skate, which is actually a skateboard with springs. I don't know whether these small devices will ever catch on, but they sure are interesting.


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