Comparison FitLogic BK8731TP vs Pro-Form Endurance 420E

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 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.

Q-factor — the distance between the orbitrek pedals. Anatomically correct running ankles suggest a Q-factor between 50mm and 90mm. The exact value depends on the height and build of a particular user. Orbitrek with a Q-factor up to 90 mm allows you to remove excess stress from the joints of the legs. Of course, it must be taken into account that with the growth of the Q-factor, the load on the user's muscular system automatically increases. So, models with an indicator above 90 mm allow for more effective training. But at the same time, an anatomically incorrect position of the legs is assumed, which can adversely affect the health of the joints. If the user has any diseases associated with the joints, you should choose an orbitrek with an optimal Q-factor for your height and build (from 50 to 90 mm).

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 possibility of folding the orbitrek to reduce its dimensions during storage and transportation. This feature saves space — the machine can be unfolded to full size and collapsed after use — which is especially true for small apartments where there is little floor space. At the same time, folding structures are somewhat less reliable than clumsy ones. Therefore, it is worth looking specifically for such a simulator only if compactness is of decisive importance for you.

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.

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

— Speed. Displaying the conditional speed of the user's movement (that is, the speed of movement on the ground, which would give the same load as the movement on the orbit track at the current moment). 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 display of the simulator displays information about the speed of movement of the pedals (revolutions per minute, rpm). This information will be extremely useful if the user conducts workouts in accordance with the planned programs....The cadence data allows you to maintain the optimal pace of your workout, giving you a benchmark to compare your current speed with the reference speed required by your workout programme. Depending on the model of the orbit track, the simulator can only display the speed in real time or show the dynamics of changes in rpm throughout the entire workout. Advanced models allow you to save data on the dynamics of the speed of movement of the pedals, which opens up the possibility of a comparative analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of training.

— 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 orbitreks they can have a different design: a clip on the ear, a chest block with a belt, sensitive plates on the handles of the simulator, etc.

— Recovery test. The presence of a recovery test function in the orbitrek (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. Recovery test machines, by definition, have heart rate measurement capability (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 models, the estimation of calorie consumption is done quite approximately, without taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, however, for amateur training, this accuracy is quite enough.

— Generated power. The display shows how much electricity, in Watts (W), was generated during the workout. The power generated is directly related to the pedaling speed and the selected load. This parameter is especially relevant for orbitreks with a built-in generator. Simulators of this type operate in a completely autonomous mode — to power the on-board electronics in the orbit track, a battery is provided, which is regularly recharged from the generator. But the calculation of the generated power can also be carried out in traditional network / battery orbitrecks. Experienced users use the power generated data to gauge the overall level of effectiveness/efficiency of a workout. The generated power gives an overall estimate of the pedaling speed, the level of the selected load and the training time. Upon reaching a certain value of generated power, experienced users often end their workout.

— Workout chart. On the screen of the orbit track, a schedule of the training programme is displayed, on which the level of load and the duration of the training are fixed in a convenient form. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy expended, and at the same time the 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 orbit track 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 that allow you 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. The possibility of measuring and displaying the temperature in the room on the display of the orbit track. 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; in modern orbitrecks, other types of information can also be displayed on the display.

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

— Fan. The orbit track has its own fan. This feature is useful for cooling during intense workouts with copious “warm-up” and sweating, especially in warm weather.

— Bottle holder. The presence in the design of the orbit track of a special stand on which you can put a bottle or 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 working with the simulator.

— Colour display. The presence of a colour monitor in the design of the simulator. This feature does not affect the main features of the device, however, such displays are considered more convenient and pleasant to view than black and white. And some models may include various additional features designed to make classes more interesting — for example, the ability to play DVD movies or virtual workouts (see above).

— Bluetooth. The presence of a Bluetooth wireless module in the orbit track allows the simulator to be synchronized with the user's smartphone, tablet or laptop / PC. Thank...s 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 on-board computer of the simulator and synchronize with the heart rate monitor via the ANT protocol.

— Wi-Fi. The presence of a Wi-Fi wireless communication module in the design of the simulator. The Wi-Fi interface was originally intended for connecting to computer networks (including Internet access), but more recently it has also been used for direct connection between different devices, without using a network. The specific features implemented using this module may be different. So, some simulators are able to interact with training programs installed on tablets and smartphones and transmit information to such programs about the details of the training (distance traveled, calories burned, etc.), others allow you to update the firmware or change the settings remotely, etc. .P.

— USB connector. USB itself is a universal interface designed to connect external peripherals to a computer or other control device. Actually, for the same purpose it is used in modern simulators; but the specific application in different models may be different. So, USB can be used to connect heart rate sensors and other specialized accessories, to play music and/or video from external media (for example, “flash drives”), to update the firmware using the same media, etc.

— TV tuner. The presence in the design of the simulator of a TV tuner — a device designed to receive television broadcasts. This function is useful for those who would like to be able to watch their favorite TV programs, series, etc. right in the process of training: usually, models with TV tuners also have colour displays and speakers (see below), which allows you to watch the broadcast directly on the simulator. However you need to remember that tuners can be designed for different broadcast standards; therefore, before purchasing a model with this function, it is advisable to make sure that it is compatible with local TV broadcasts.

— mini-Jack 3.5 mm (Aux). The 3.5 mm mini-Jack (Aux) connector is designed to connect an MP3 player or a smartphone/tablet. Thanks to this, it is possible to output a sound signal from multimedia devices to the speakers built into the orbitrek. Some models may additionally have a mini-Jack connector for connecting headphones. The sound output to the headphones will allow you to train to your favorite music without disturbing other users in the same room as you.

— Speakers. The presence in the design of the orbitrek of its own speakers. They can play music, the sound of a movie playing on the display (see "Colour display"), as well as various service messages — for example, a warning about exceeding the maximum heart rate.

— Tablet stand. Allows you to securely and safely mount a tablet with almost any screen size on the orbit track. Thanks to this, the user can enjoy watching TV shows or movies directly during training. Usually, the stand is located under the main screen of the simulator. Advanced class models are often equipped with a stand with the ability to adjust the angle of the tablet.