Comparison Concept2 PM5 vs Nordic Track RX800

The value of the maximum allowable load on the design of the simulator (due to the weight of the athlete). If the weight of the athlete exceeds the threshold value, then the structural elements of the equipment may fail. The most common user weight limits are: up to 100 kg, up to 120 kg, up to 140 kg and over 140 kg.

Rowing machines can work with varying degrees of load. Depending on the model, the equipment can counteract the athlete's efforts both in a wide range of values (the possibility of fine-tuning the load is implied) and in the mode of stepwise load creation. The widest range of loads is created by simulators with an electromagnetic type of counteraction (see paragraph "Loading system").

The ability to adjust the length of the leg rests allows you to adjust the machine to the height of any user.

The exercise machine is equipped with a folding frame which can be easily and simply folded to a compact size. This makes the storage process more convenient, since the folding design allows you to significantly reduce the geometric dimensions of the simulator. Note that the folding type of construction does not reduce the rigidity of the frame of the simulator. Changing the design does not require much effort or a special tool, the process takes only a couple of minutes.

Travel wheels allow the treadmill to be easily manoeuvred around the playground until the most suitable location for the equipment is determined. With the movement of such a simulator, a user with any level of physical fitness can cope. When the optimal place for installing the simulator is found, the wheelbase is replaced by fixed stops, that is, the rigid legs of the simulator frame.

Training programs allow the athlete to purposefully carry out loads on certain muscle groups. The most common types of programs are: muscle strength training (the simulator creates an optimal load in order to quickly and effectively strengthen the main muscle groups), cardiovascular training (the simulator creates loads that can effectively strengthen the athlete’s cardiovascular system), training to increase the tone of the body, etc.

During training, you can synchronize the intensity of the movement of the rowing handles with the imitation on the display of the movement on the shuttle through the water expanses. Virtual training makes the process of training more exciting and fulfilling. The image of the movement on the boat can be carried out both using the built-in LCD display, and using a modern TV, which has the appropriate ports for connecting external devices.

— Training time. This feature allows you to precisely control the execution time of each training set. The start and end of the timer are activated using the button located on the control panel.

— distance. The simulator allows you to control the length of movement of the rowing handles and converts the received data into an estimated distance that the user travels during the workout. In most cases, the metric system for measuring distance traveled is used. If necessary, you can use other calculation systems, for example, measure the path in nautical miles or in yards.

— Speed. The simulator allows you to control the speed of movement of the rowing handles. In the future, the received data is converted into the value of the speed of movement of the simulated rowing vessel. Speed is measured in the metric data system, but you can also get values in terms of knot speed.

— Stroke frequency. The simulator allows you to control the number of cycles of movement of the rowing handles. At the end of the training approach, the athlete can get acquainted with the exact number of strokes, this makes it possible to control the ratio of the number of rowing movements per unit of time.

— Total number of strokes. Counting the total number of strokes allows you to evaluate the...effectiveness of the training. By this parameter, you can estimate the number of calories burned, the distance traveled and many other parameters.

— Pulse. The ability to display the athlete's heart rate on the screen. However, the heart rate monitor itself is not provided in rowing machines and must be purchased separately.

— Recovery test. With the help of the hardware-software complex of the simulator, the estimated time required for the athlete to fully recover after training is calculated. The calculation of the data is carried out on the basis of information about the number and intensity of training approaches and the load received by the athlete. This parameter allows the athlete to organize more effective workouts, as he will be aware of a more or less accurate time that can be spent on rest between power sets.

— Calorie consumption. The ability to display on the screen of the treadmill information about the cost of energy (calories) for the time since the start of the workout. Note that the simulator does not measure the energy actually spent by the athlete, the calculation is carried out as follows: the device takes the data stored in the memory about the approximate calorie costs in a particular mode of operation and multiplies this figure by the training time in this mode. Thus, the calculations do not take into account the individual characteristics of each person, and the data is very approximate.

— 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 screen displays a graph of the training programme, which in a convenient form fixes the level of load and duration. 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, it allows you to take control of the pace. A decreasing or increasing graph will tell you when to push and when to slow down in order to evenly distribute forces throughout the training programme.

— Fat analyzer. This feature allows you to display your treadmill's body fat percentage. Measuring the amount of fat is based on the fact that different types of human tissues have different resistance to electricity: when measured, an electric discharge is passed through the body, which is not felt by a person and is safe for him, but at the same time sufficient for the simulator electronics. By passing the discharge, the percentage of adipose tissue is determined. Of course, these data are very approximate, but they may well be useful, for example, to compare the state of the body before and after a course of training.

— 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). The treadmill analyzes your basal metabolic rate to more accurately calculate calories burned during your workout. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) characterizes the consumption of calories that go to support basic physiological processes in the body, that is, it describes the amount of energy expended outside of training sessions when a person is at rest. BMR assessment is important when developing individual training programs. Additionally, the level of basal metabolism should be taken into account when compiling the diet.

— Room temperature. Display of the ambient temperature on the screen. This is not a basic function, but it can be useful for comfort: for example, you can determine at what temperature it is most convenient for you to exercise, and then adjust it accordingly before each session.

— Network. For the full-fledged operation of the simulator, a regular connection to a household electrical network with standard parameters of 230 (V) and 50 (Hz) is required. Such simulators do not depend on replaceable batteries, their cost, in comparison with other types of power supply, is low, and the power of the network is quite enough even for electromagnetic load systems.

— Battery. The uninterrupted operation of the simulator is ensured by the rechargeable battery, which is supplied with the training equipment. The battery is rechargeable. Most often, the battery is located under the cover of the simulator. To charge the battery, you need to connect the simulator to a household electrical outlet. Usually, one battery charge is enough for 10-12 hours of continuous operation of the rowing machine.