Comparison Spokey Steppen vs HouseFit S-002

— Mechanical. To create a load, a spring is used. When the springs are compressed, the platform goes down, while turning through an angle of up to 90˚. Spring steppers allow you to train the muscles of the legs, back and abs. The spine, and joints of the arms and legs are developed, a sense of balance and stability develops along the way, and endurance increases.

— Hydraulic. Load systems are based on the use of closed cylinders filled with a special liquid; the actual load in such systems is created due to the load that occurs when the piston moves in such a cylinder. Predominantly most compact steppers have this type of load.

— Electromagnetic. The load in such load systems is provided by a magnetic field generated by special coils (electromagnets). Such a scheme allows you to very accurately adjust the load levels — much more accurately than in mechanical steppers. Also, in electromagnetic models, it is easier to use various systems for informing and recording training data (see "Programs and information"), and they produce significantly less noise. The main disadvantages of this type of machine are the high cost and the need for a powerful power source — which requires either a connection to the mains or the installation of a built-in generator (see "Power supply").

— Magnetic. The magnetic load is crea...ted using special magnets. Magnets located under the push plates create a load, and the strength depends on the set of magnets used. The main advantage of steppers with a magnetic load is the ability to use the machine autonomously since the operation of magnetic mechanical models does not depend on the presence of an electrical network, and quiet operation. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the limited load force when pressing on the platforms. The resources of traditional magnets are very limited because this is not an electromagnet, the strength of which depends only on the voltage applied to the core. Steppers with a magnetic load have proven themselves well for home use.

— Handlebar controls. The control buttons for training modes are placed on the handles of the stepper. With their help, you can change the load without stopping the training. However, the control options in each model may be different.

— Expanders. Steppers can be equipped with mounts for expanders. This solution allows you to increase the number of exercises available with the machine: training the arms and upper body provides a complex load — after all, the stepper itself loads only the legs. In most models , expanders are included.

— Torso twist (twister). To turn the body, a hinged platform is used, which is called a twister. And so that the user does not lose balance, the machine usually provides a stand with handrails. Exercises with twists of the torso allow you to strengthen the muscles of the back and abs.

— Fan. The stepper has its own fan. This feature is useful for cooling during intense workouts, especially in warm weather.

— Bottle holder. The presence of a special stand in the design of the stepper, on which you can put a bottle or a glass. Thus, you will always have a supply of water at hand, and to replenish its amount in the body you will not have to be distracted from training with the machine.

— Colour screen.... The presence of a colour screen in the design of the stepper. This function does not affect the main features of the stepper. However, such displays are considered more convenient and pleasant to view than monochrome ones.

— Bluetooth. The presence of a Bluetooth wireless module allows the stepper to be synchronized with the user's smartphone, tablet or laptop/PC. Thanks to data synchronization, the user will be able to control the results of training in a convenient form. Additionally, Bluetooth wireless communication can be used to download new training programs to the machine's computer, and synchronize with the heart rate monitor via the ANT protocol.

— USB port. USB can be used to connect heart rate sensors and other specialized accessories, to play music and/or video from external media, to update the firmware using the same media, etc.

— mini-Jack 3.5 mm (Aux). The audio jack is designed to connect an MP3 player or smartphone/tablet and output sound from devices to the speakers built into the simulator.

— Speakers. The presence in the design of the stepper's speakers. Music can be played through them, as well as various service messages.

— Tablet stand. Allows you to securely and safely mount a tablet with almost any screen size on the machine. Thanks to this, the user can enjoy watching TV shows or movies directly during training.

— Battery. Machines are powered by replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The main advantage of this option is that it can be installed anywhere without worrying about the presence of sockets or the power cord being laid. On the other hand, the power of the batteries is very limited. They are only suitable for models with mechanical load systems (see above), which do not depend on the power supply and require electricity only to power the built-in computer. In addition, the battery life is not infinite, and they need to be changed or recharged periodically.

— Mains. Machines are powered by a standard 230 V power supply. Such a power supply allows you not to worry about replacing or recharging "dead" batteries — the machine will work as long as there is electricity in the house. In addition, it is suitable for models with any load system, even electromagnetic (for more details, see "Load system"), while such devices are much cheaper than similar generator ones (see below). The main disadvantages in this case are the dependence on the outlet and the need to use a power cord, which can limit mobility and get in the way. However, in most cases, these shortcomings do not cause significant inconvenience.

— Built-in generator. The stepper is powered by its built-in generator. The user himself generates the electricity necessary for operation in such devices:...pressing the pedals sets the generator shaft in motion. This type of power supply is the most advanced because it combines the advantages of the two described above: generator models are completely autonomous and do not require connection to an outlet or replacement of batteries, while the power of the energy source is quite sufficient even for electromagnetic load systems (see above for more details). However, there are also disadvantages: in particular, this is a significant weight of the generator and the high cost of such machines.

The country from which the product brand originates. The brand in this case can be described as a general designation by which the goods of a particular manufacturer are known in the market. The country of its origin does not always coincide with the actual place of production of the product: to reduce the cost of production, many modern companies transfer it to other countries. It is quite normal for products, for example, of an American or German brand, to be made in Taiwan or Turkey. Contrary to popular belief, this in itself does not lead to a decrease in the quality of the goods — it all depends on how carefully the brand owner controls the production. And many companies, especially large and famous, monitor the quality very zealously — after all, their reputation depends on it.

Dimensions of the equipment are assembled and ready for operation. It is important to note that in reality, more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator.