Comparison Pro-Form 325 CSX vs Nordic Track VXR475

The maximum user weight for which the exercise bike is designed, in other words, the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the unit is guaranteed to work for the amount of time stated in the characteristics without the risk of breakage. This parameter should be adhered to as accurately as possible, do not be mistaken about the fact that 3-5 kg in excess of the calculated weight will not affect the device. Yes, most likely, the simulator will be able to work for some time, but it will experience loads exceeding the calculated ones, and at best it will fail earlier than expected, and at worst it may break at the most unfortunate moment, which is fraught with injuries. In addition, this case is usually not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you will have to eliminate the consequences at your own expense.

The weight of the flywheel installed in the exercise bike — a massive wheel, the rotation of which provides the movement of the pedals and creates a load on them. It is believed that the more weight, the better: a massive flywheel provides smooth movement with a minimum of jerks and creates uniform loads that mimic natural ones as much as possible. This will be especially useful for athletes with a large body weight — from 100 kg and above — especially when working on vertical machines (see "Planting"). At the same time, note that the cost of the entire device directly depends on the weight of the flywheel, and for home non-professional use it is not always justified to look for a simulator with a very heavy wheel.

Information that the machine can display during operation.

— Training time. The display of training time can include both a total time counter and specialized functions — for example, the time spent in the “target zone” (working at a certain heart rate that is optimal for a particular mode), the total training time per day / week / month, etc. .P. Specific features differ from model to model.

— distance. Display of the "distance traveled" — the distance that the user conditionally traveled during the workout. By default, this feature displays the distance since the machine was turned on, but some models may have more advanced features, such as summing distances over a certain period of time.

— Speed. Displays the user's conditional movement speed (that is, the speed at which the user would move on a real bike at the current pedaling speed). Usually a function is provided to display the current speed, however, some models can also calculate the average speed for passing the distance.

— Revolutions per minute. The bike displays the actual cadence on the screen. Speed information is extremely important in evaluating the effectiveness of a workout. So, revolutions per minute are taken into account when calculating the distance traveled, and based on this indicator, calories burned are also calculate...d.

— Measurement of the pulse. The ability to measure the user's heart rate during training. This parameter is one of the most important, for different training goals (burning fat, maintaining tone, strengthening the cardiovascular system), the optimal heart rate will be different. It also depends on a number of other parameters: gender, age, physique, physiological characteristics, etc. And exceeding the maximum allowable heart rate is fraught with unpleasant health consequences. You can learn more about this in the specialized literature, and best of all, consult a trainer or doctor. To measure the pulse, special sensors are used, in different models of bicycles they can have a different design: an ear clip, a chest block with a belt, sensitive plates on the handlebars, etc.

— Recovery test. The exercise bike has a recovery test function (also called a “fitness test” or “fitness assessment”). This function allows you to determine the rate of recovery of the body after physical exertion and, accordingly, its general physical condition and fitness for such loads. Usually, for this, the pulse is measured twice — immediately after training and 1 minute later — after which the simulator gives an estimate, which is deciphered using special tables. Models with a recovery test function, by definition, have the ability to measure the pulse (see above).

— Calorie consumption. Displays the amount of energy expended by the user during the workout. This allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the work to a certain extent, especially if it is aimed at burning fat and you need to track energy costs. Note that in most exercise bikes, the estimate of calorie consumption is made quite approximately, without taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, however, for amateur training, this accuracy is quite enough.

— Generated power. Power generated — the amount of power that was transferred to the exercise bike during exercise. This parameter allows you to more objectively assess the energy consumption of the user, and also allows you to more accurately calculate the rate of calories burned.

— Workout chart. The exercise bike displays a training programme graph on the screen, which conveniently records the load level and duration of the workout. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy expended, and at the same time calories burned, at various stages of the lesson. Additionally, this allows you to take control of the load rate. A decreasing or increasing schedule will tell you when it is desirable to increase the load, and when to reduce it, in order to evenly distribute forces throughout the entire training programme. Some models allow you to save the results of training in a graphical form and compare the diagrams of past sessions with each other.

— Fat analyzer. The presence in the exercise bike of the function of measuring the amount of adipose tissue in the body (in percent). The operation of such a metre is based on the use of a weak electric current passed through the human body: different types of human tissues have different resistance, and the amount of adipose tissue can be deduced from the characteristics of the discharge. This technology is not accurate, but to a certain extent it allows you to evaluate the features of the physique; and by measuring the fat content before and after a course of training, you can get a pretty clear result. The measuring current is considered harmless for healthy people, however, we note that there are a number of limitations here: in particular, the fat analyzer cannot be used by pregnant women, children under 10 years old, and people with electronic pacemakers installed. And anyway, before buying a simulator with this function, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

— Body mass index (BMI). The automatic calculation of the body mass index allows you to adjust the training modes for each individual user, as well as more objectively evaluate the result of training programs. Body mass index (BMI) is the ratio of a person's height to their weight. Calculated using the following formula: weight / height / height. Let's assume that the user weighs 70 kg and is 1.76 m tall. In this case, BMI = 70/1.76/1.76 = 22.6. The normal MBI is considered to be an index from 19 to 24. If the user's MBI is insufficient (less than 19), then the simulator will develop workouts based on gaining body density and increasing muscle mass. When the MBI is excessive (over 24), the machine will recommend using a training programme to reduce fat mass.

— Assessment of basal metabolism (BMR). Ability to calculate basal metabolism — the minimum amount of energy required by the body for normal functioning (for the respiratory, circulatory, nervous systems, as well as various organs). In other words, basal metabolism is the amount of energy that the body spends directly on functioning, without putting it off “for later” in the form of adipose tissue. This parameter is extremely important for organizing proper nutrition, especially when exercising to burn fat and reduce excess weight. There are formulas to determine BMR by weight, height, age and sex of a person; however, they allow you to get only an average result, while the simulator is able to take into account many additional factors that affect the metabolic rate. Usually, basal metabolism is determined by energy costs per day.

— Room temperature. Possibility of measurement and display on the display of the exercise bike of temperature indoors. This function will help you more accurately assess the conditions for training and choose the appropriate form of clothing, as well as, if necessary, take measures to ensure a comfortable temperature (open the window; turn on the air conditioner — or vice versa, the heater).

The above list is not exhaustive; other types of information may be displayed on modern exercise bikes.

The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready to work state. It is important to note that in fact more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator.