Comparison Bowflex Max Trainer M5 vs Nordic Track A.C.T. Commercial 7

The maximum weight of the user for which the simulator is designed, in other words, the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the orbit track is guaranteed to work out 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 design of the system that creates resistance on the flywheel of the orbit track and the corresponding load during training. The following options are currently in use:

— Mechanical. The operation of this system is similar to the brakes of a car: special brake pads are pressed against the flywheel, and by changing the force of pressing, the resistance to movement also changes. The advantages of mechanical loading systems are simplicity and low cost, reliability, the ability to create high resistance for large loads, as well as battery life — they do not require power, and in the design of the orbit track you can get by with a battery for auxiliary electronics (see "Power"). On the other hand, the pads, due to friction against the flywheel, create a certain noise, which can lead to inconvenience; they also wear and tear over time. The mechanical system is used mainly in low-cost orbitrek models.

— Magnetic. In systems of this type, the resistance changes due to permanent magnets: by bringing them closer to the flywheel or moving away from it, you can change the resistance to movement. Similar to mechanical ones (see above), magnetic load systems do not require power; at the same time they provide smoother adjustment and practically do not create noise. At the same time, this variety is poorly suited for training professionals — it is not capable of creating a serious load (although it...is usually quite enough for domestic use).

— Electromagnetic. This type of system is considered the most advanced. The principle of their operation is similar to magnetic ones (see above), however, instead of permanent magnets, stationary electromagnets are used in this case. The load, on the other hand, changes due to a change in the strength of the current passing through the windings of the electromagnets: the stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field and, accordingly, the higher the resistance to movement. Thanks to this, electromagnetic models are able to provide very solid load levels, while maintaining one of the main advantages of magnetic systems — complete noiselessness. The main disadvantage is the need for a powerful power supply, which is realized either by connecting to the network or by installing a built-in generator (see "Power"). Yes, these trainers are quite expensive.

— Own weight. The load system allows you to work exclusively with the load of your own weight. The simplest mechanism, which has a minimum of nodes, is quite reliable and budgetary.

The weight of the flywheel installed in the orbitrek is a massive wheel, the rotation of which ensures 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 is especially important for athletes with a large body weight — from 100 kg and above. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the cost of the entire orbitrek 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.

The number of fixed load levels (platform resistance during movement) provided for in the design of the orbitrek. The more such levels provided in the design, the wider the possibilities for adjusting the load and the more accurately it can be adjusted to the requirements of a particular user. At the same time, the abundance of adjustments accordingly affects the price.

The maximum horizontal distance between the platforms of the orbit track, which determines, respectively, the length of the athlete's step when working on the simulator. It is believed that for people of average height, a step length of 400 – 500 mm is optimal, and many simulators are made with this calculation. At the same time, there are models with a variable stride length, which allows you to adjust it to the personal preferences of different users.

Anyway, the step length should be chosen depending on height, physique and personal preferences. Too small a step will lead to the fact that you have to mince, and the imitation of walking will turn into marking time, and too wide will lead to inconvenience and an unjustified increase in load without increasing efficiency. Ideally, it is advisable to test the simulator before buying — how comfortable you will be on it. This applies to both fixed and adjustable stride length.

The ability to change the step length provided by the orbitrek (see above). This function allows you to customize the simulator for athletes with different heights and physiques, for which the optimal stride length will also be different; this is especially convenient if the orbitrek is in public use — for example, installed in a gym. However such adjustment is expensive, and the real need for it is mainly in professional training. Therefore, most orbitrecks with adjustable pitch are top models.

The number of training programs provided for in the design of the orbitrek. Different programs have different purposes — strengthening the cardiovascular system, maintaining physical fitness, burning fat, etc. At the same time, the operation of the programme relieves you of the need to manually set the parameters — this is done by the simulator. Accordingly, the more training programs the orbitrek has, the wider its capabilities and the more convenient the training. And some models may even provide the possibility of self-creation of programs.

This function requires the presence of a colour display (see "Additional"), and quite a large one. Such a display shows a “picture” that creates the impression that the athlete is not on a stationary simulator, but is moving along the street, park path, specialized track, etc.; and some models may even provide the ability to connect a larger screen, such as a TV on the wall in front of the machine. At the same time, the speed of virtual movement depends on the intensity of the athlete's work; in other words, the simulator determines how fast a person would move in the real world with such an intensity of work, and accordingly adjusts the mode of changing the "picture" on the screen, providing the most realistic image. The main advantage of virtual training is obvious: watching the changing landscapes is much more pleasant and interesting than constantly looking at stationary objects. At the same time, it’s not just about positive emotions: additional interest can significantly increase the level of motivation and the overall effectiveness of training. Admittedly, this feature comes at a cost.

iFit is a technology that provides access to a vast library of training programs designed for each specific machine and for specific fitness goals, as well as picturesque videos that allow you to diversify your workouts. Usually, orbitrecks with support for this system are equipped with an LCD display, and when you start a workout, an HD video appears on the screen of the simulator with views of the terrain along which the jogging route will be laid. The video sequence is complemented by thematic audio compositions. However, the possibilities of the technology go further than conducting workouts to video clips. Advanced models, which are equipped with a large screen and a module for connecting to the Internet, allow you to use the potential of Google Maps. That is, the user can independently lay the route of a morning run through the streets of some famous city.