Foldable
The possibility of
folding the exercise bike to reduce its dimensions during storage and transportation. This feature saves space — the device can be unfolded to full size and folded after use — which is especially true for small apartments where there is little floor space. At the same time, folding designs are somewhat less reliable than traditional ones and are found mainly in inexpensive amateur models. Therefore, it is worth specifically looking for such a model only in the case when compactness has a decisive importance to you.
Information
Information that the machine can display during workouts.
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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. Specific features differ from model to model.
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Distance. The distance that the user travelled during the workout. By default, this feature displays the distance since the machine was turned on, but some models may have more advanced features, such as summing distances over a certain period.
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Speed. Displays the user's movement speed (that is, the speed at which the user would move on a real bike at the current pedalling speed). Usually, a function is provided to display the current speed. However, some models can also calculate the average speed for passing the distance.
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Revolutions per minute. The bike displays the actual pedalling rhythm on the screen. Speed information is extremely important in evaluating the effectiveness of a workout. So, revolutions per minute are taken into account when calculating the distance travelled, and based on this indicator, calories burned are also calculated.
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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 muscle tone, strengthening the cardiovascular system), the optimal heart rate will be different. It also depends on several other parameters: gender, age, physique, physiological characteristics, 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, different models of bicycles can have different designs: an ear clip, a chest sensor with a belt, sensitive plates on the handlebars, etc.
— Recovery test. The exercise bike has a recovery test function. 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 heart rate is measured twice — immediately after training and 1 minute later — after which the simulator gives an estimate, which is deciphered using special tables. Models with a recovery test function, by definition, can measure the heart rate(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. Note that in most exercise bikes, the estimate of calorie consumption is made quite approximately, without taking into account the individual characteristics of the body. However, for amateur training, this accuracy is quite enough.
— Generated power. it is the amount of power that was transferred to the exercise bike during the workout. This parameter allows you to more objectively assess the energy consumption of the user and also allows you to calculate the rate of calories burned more accurately.
— Workout chart. The exercise bike displays a training programme graph on the screen, which conveniently records the load level and duration of the workout. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy used, and at the same time calories burned, at various stages of the training. 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 energy throughout the entire training programme. Some models allow you to save the results of training in a graphical form and compare the charts of past sessions with each other.
— Fat analyzer. The presence of the exercise bike has the function of measuring the amount of fat in the body (in percent). The operation of such a fat analyzer 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 before and after a course of training, you can get a pretty clear result. The measuring current is considered harmless for healthy people. However, 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. Anyway, before buying an exercise bike 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 user, as well as more objectively evaluate the result of training programmes. 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 BMI is considered to be an index from 19 to 24. If the user's BMI is insufficient (less than 19), then the exercise bike 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 programme to reduce fat mass.
— Basal Metabolic Rate(BMR). Ability to calculate basal metabolism — 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, the basal metabolism 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. There are formulas to determine BMR by weight, height, age and sex of a person. However, they allow you to get only an average result, while the exercise bike can take into account many additional factors that affect the metabolic rate. Usually, the basal metabolism rate is determined by energy spent per day.
— Room temperature. Ability to measure temperature and display it on the display of the exercise bike. 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 the heater).
The above list is not complete; other types of information may be displayed on modern exercise bikes.Power source
The type of power source used in the exercise bike.
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Mains. Powered by a standard 230 V power supply. Such power allows you not to worry about replacing or recharging dead batteries — the exercise bike will work as long as there is electricity in the house. In addition, it is suitable for models with any load system, even electromagnetic (for more details, see "Load system"), while such devices are much cheaper than models with generators (see below). The main disadvantages are the dependence on the outlet and the need to use wires, which can limit mobility and get in the way. However, these shortcomings do not cause significant inconvenience.
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Battery. The exercise bike is powered by replaceable batteries. The main advantage such exercise bikes can be installed anywhere without worrying about the availability of sockets and laying the power cord. On the other hand, the power of the batteries is very limited, and they are only suitable for models with mechanical or magnetic load systems (see "Load system" for more details), where power is required only for the computer. In addition, the battery life is not infinite, and they need to be changed or recharged periodically.
— Built-in generator. The exercise bike is powered by its built-in generator, which is driven by the rotation of the flywheel. In other words, when using such a model, the user himself generates the energy
...required for work. To turn on the exercise bike with a built-in generator, is enough to turn the flywheel several times. This type of power supply combines the advantages of the two above. On the one hand, it is autonomous, on the other hand, it has sufficient power even to provide energy to electromagnetic load systems (for more details, see "Load system"). At the same time, this feature significantly increases the weight, and most importantly, the cost of the device, and therefore is found only in premium models.Dimensions
The dimensions of the assembled equipment. It is important to note that in fact more space is needed for the comfortable and proper operation of the exercise bike.
