Comparison Spirit Fitness SE159 vs Vigor AL-601EP

The maximum weight of the user for which the cross trainer is designed. This parameter should be adhered to as accurately as possible, do not be mistaken about the fact that 3-5 kg over 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 cross trainer. It 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 cross trainer directly depends on the weight of the flywheel, and for home non-professional use it is not always justified to look for a machine with a very heavy flywheel.

The number of fixed load levels (pedal resistance during movement) provided for in the design of the cross trainer. 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 pedals of the cross trainer, determines, respectively, the length of the athlete's step when working on the machine. It is believed that for people of average height, a step length of 400 – 500 mm is optimal, and many cross trainers are made with this calculation. At the same time, there are models with a variable step 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 cross trainer before buying — how comfortable you will be on it. This applies to both fixed and adjustable step lengths.

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

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

Information that the machine can display during operation.

— Workout time. The display of workout 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. Specific features differ from model to model.

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

— 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 cross trainer 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 according to the planned programs. The rev...s 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 program. Depending on the model of the cross trainer, 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 efficiency of training.

— Heart rate. 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 several other parameters: gender, age, physique, etc. 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 heart rate, special sensors are used. In different models of cross trainers sensors can have a different design: a clip on the ear, a chest block with a belt, sensitive plates on the handles of the machine, etc.

— Recovery test. The presence of a recovery test function in the cross trainer. This function allows you to determine the rate of recovery of the body after physical labour and, accordingly, its general physical condition and fitness for such loads. Usually, for this, the heart rate is measured twice — immediately after training and 1 minute later — after which the machine 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 power, in Watts (W), was generated during the workout. The power generated is directly related to the pedalling speed and the selected load. This parameter is especially relevant for cross trainers with a built-in generator. Machines of this type operate in a completely autonomous mode — to power the electronics in the cross trainer, 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 mains/battery cross trainers. Experienced users use the power-generated data to gauge the overall level of efficiency of a workout. The generated power gives an overall estimate of the pedalling 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 cross trainer, a schedule of the training program is displayed, on which the level of load and the duration of the training are shown 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 chart will tell you when it is desirable to increase the load, and when to reduce it, to evenly distribute forces throughout the entire training program. 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 of the function of measuring the amount of fat 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 fat 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 several 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, it is advisable to consult a doctor before buying a machine with this function.

— Body mass index (BMI). The automatic calculation of the body mass index allows you to adjust the training modes for each 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. It is 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 BMI is considered to be an index from 19 to 24. If the user's BMI is insufficient (less than 19), then the machine will recommend workouts based on gaining body density and increasing muscle mass. When the MBI is excessive (over 24), the machine will recommend using a training program to reduce fat mass.

— Basal metabolic rate (BMR). Ability to calculate basal metabolic rate — the minimum amount of energy required by the body for normal functioning (for the respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems, as well as various organs). In other words, basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy that the body spends directly on functioning, without saving it in the form of fat. This parameter is extremely important for organizing proper nutrition, especially when exercising to burn fat and reduce excess weight. Some formulas 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 machine can take into account many additional factors that affect the metabolic rate. Usually, basal metabolic rate is determined by energy spent per day.

— Room temperature. The ability to measure and show the temperature in the room on the display of the cross trainer. 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 cross trainers, other types of information can also be shown on the display.

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

— Fan. The cross trainer has a fan. This feature is useful for cooling during intense workouts, especially in warm weather.

— Bottle holder. The presence in the design of the cross trainer k 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 out on the machine.

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

— Bluetooth. The presence of a Bluetooth wireless module allows the machine to be synchronized with the user's smartphone, tablet or laptop/PC. Thanks to data synchronization, the user will be able to c...ontrol the results of training in a convenient form. Additionally, Bluetooth wireless communication can be used to download new training programs to the computer of the machine 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 machine. 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 cross trainers can interact with training programs installed on tablets and smartphones and transmit information to such programs about the details of the training (distance travelled, calories burned, etc.), while others allow you to update the firmware or change the settings remotely, etc.

— USB port. 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 machines; 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 a USB drive, to update the firmware using the same USB drive, etc.

— TV tuner. The presence in the design of the machine 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 favourite 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 machine's display. However, one needs 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 cross trainer. 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 favourite music without disturbing other people in the same room.

— Speakers. The presence in the design of the cross trainer of 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. It allows you to securely and safely mount a tablet with almost any screen size on the cross trainer. 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 machine. Advanced class models are often equipped with a stand with the ability to adjust the angle of the tablet.

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