Comparison Hop-Sport HS-2500LB Aspire vs Vigor XPL300

The highest weight of an athlete, at which the treadmill is able to work indefinitely for a long time (at least during the warranty period) without negative consequences. Most modern models have a "weight category" of the order of 150 kg and even more, which allows them to be used even by people of large build; however, there are exceptions, so this parameter is still worth paying attention to when choosing a treadmill.

Note that it is worth choosing a model by weight with a significant margin — at least 10 kg more than your weight, even if you expect to lose it during training. If, on the contrary, you are going through a comprehensive training course in order to gain weight, then you should focus on the result you want by the end of the course. Anyway, the "weight category" of the simulator must be greater than the weight of the user — otherwise the device will work with off-design loads and may break at any time.

If the treadmill is planned to be used for several users, accordingly, you need to focus on the weight of the largest of them.

The highest speed at which the treadmill can move. This parameter is indicated only for models of the electric type (see above) — in mechanical and magnetic ones, it depends solely on the capabilities of the athlete himself, and it is impossible to accurately indicate the maximum speed in the characteristics of such simulators.

The higher the maximum speed — the greater the load can be given to the trainee and the better the treadmill is suitable for intensive training. However, for household models, a speed of 15 – 16 km/h is considered quite sufficient; more "fast" simulators usually belong to the advanced class and are designed for professional athletes.

Note that in everyday use it does not always make sense to chase a high maximum speed. If your level of physical fitness is not high or if high loads are undesirable, a speed of 10 – 12 km/h may well be enough.

Power of the motor installed in the electric treadmill (see "Type"). This indicator is directly related, first of all, to the smoothness of the ride and the maximum speed (see above) — the more powerful the engine, the more uniform the movement of the canvas will be and the faster it can move. Also, engine power determines the resistance to high loads: with an equal weight category (see "User weight"), a more powerful model is better suited for people with large body weight, especially at high speeds.

In general, most recreational treadmills have motors between 1.5 and 2.5 hp; more powerful options usually belong to the professional class.

It is worth noting that above we were talking about the constant power of the engine — that is, the power with which it can work for a long time without being subjected to overloads. In some models of simulators, the so-called peak power — the power that the engine can develop for a short time, for a few seconds. It is higher, but long-term operation at such a load is fraught with the failure of the device. Therefore, before buying, it is worthwhile to clarify, if possible, what power is implied in the characteristics — nominal or peak; this is especially true for high power models.

Possibility to change the angle of inclination of the treadmill. Due to this, in mechanical and electrical models (see "Type"), the load is regulated; in the first case, this is generally the only option for changing the load, and in the second, the slope of the canvas allows you to simulate movement uphill (and in some models, vice versa, from the mountain).

The angle of inclination is usually adjusted manually by setting the blade to a certain level of a special stop. However, there are also automatic models where a separate drive does this, and the user only needs to give a command from the control panel. The second option is more convenient, but significantly more expensive.

The largest angle at which the treadmill can be tilted; For details on this function, see "Inclination Adjustment". The greater the maximum angle, the steeper the climb can be simulated by the simulator, the more intense the load it can provide. The angle of inclination is calculated from the horizontal.

Some models allow you to tilt the canvas not only “towards you”, simulating an ascent, but also “away from you”, simulating a descent. For such models, two values \u200b\u200bof the maximum angles are indicated, while the “downhill” angle is indicated by a negative number — for example, “20 ° / -6 °”

The cushioning system softens the shock felt when running on the treadmill and thus reduces stress on the bones and joints. Roughly speaking, due to this system, the canvas “springs” under your feet, and the run turns out to be softer. This feature can be useful to any user, but it will be especially useful for those who are just starting out, as well as for people with a large body weight.

Most treadmills have more than three points of support, which means that without additional adjustments, they will only stand stable on a flat surface. However, in any room there is a possibility of unevenness on the floor, and compensators are used to ensure stability on such surfaces. The principle of their operation is very simple: each support "leg" of the simulator is independently height-adjustable, which allows you to adjust the design for reliable installation on all points of support.

The number of training programs provided for in the design of the simulator. This is not about load levels, but about automatic modes of operation, during which the track can change the speed of movement, signal the beginning and end of a lesson, etc. For details on the number of programs, see Built-in Programs.

— Management on the handles. On the handrails of the treadmill are buttons for controlling training modes. Usually, they can be used to adjust the speed of the walking belt, as well as stop / start the track. In more advanced simulators, buttons can additionally be placed on the handrails to adjust the angle of inclination, switch training programs, start / stop the timer (stopwatch), etc.

— Vibrating massager. The treadmill is additionally equipped with a vibrating massager with replaceable bands, which is quite rare among such devices. The vibration massager system consists of a stable, height-adjustable stand and a set of special belts. By selecting the necessary belt, programme, speed and intensity of work, the user can perform various types of massages: relaxing, corrective, anti-cellulite, etc. During the procedure, the device simultaneously massages the muscles and makes them contract. In fact, the vibration massage function is primarily used to correct the figure, warm up the muscles before exercise and relieve fatigue after them.

— Fan. The treadmill's own fan will keep you comfortable during intense workouts, especially in warm weather: the additional air movement increases the evaporation of sweat from the skin, helps cool the body and prevents overheating.

— Bottle holder. A special stand that a...llows you to conveniently place a bottle of water directly on the simulator. The holder is usually made in such a way that, on the one hand, it is easy to get the bottle, on the other hand, it excludes the possibility of its falling out. This feature will allow you to always have a supply of water on hand and make up for its lack in the body during long workouts, without being distracted from the actual workout and without stopping movement.

— Emergency stop key. The possibility of an emergency stop of the treadmill can significantly increase the safety of training. Usually, an emergency stop key consists of a magnetic contact group, a cable and a clothespin. So, during training, a magnetic key is attached to the control panel of the simulator, a cable is drawn from it (usually less than 1 metre long), and at the end there is a clothespin that is fixed to the edge of a T-shirt or to a belt. If the user stumbles or loses control of the treadmill's speed, the tightness of the cable will simply pull out the magnetic key, which will turn off the engine.

— 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 treadmill allows the treadmill to be synchronized with the user's smartphone, tablet or laptop / PC. Thanks 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. This allows you to output the sound signal from multimedia devices to the speakers built into the treadmill. 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. Through its own speakers, the simulator can play various audio information — from service signals (exceeding the heart rate, the end of the programme, etc.) and ending with musical compositions and sound tracks of films played on the display (see above).

— Tablet stand. Allows you to securely and safely mount a tablet with almost any screen size on the treadmill. 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 treadmill. Advanced class models are often equipped with a stand with the ability to adjust the angle of the tablet. In parallel with this, the treadmill can be equipped with a USB port and built-in speakers; some models may have a Wi-Fi wireless module.