Comparison Spirit Fitness XT485.16 vs Spirit Fitness Esprit XT-485

The highest weight of an athlete, at which the treadmill can 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.

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 to gain weight, then you should focus on the result you want by the end of the course. Anyway, the "weight category" of the machine 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, you need to focus on the weight of the heaviest of them.

Power of the motor installed in the electric treadmill (see "Load system"). This parameter is directly related, first of all, to the smoothness of the belt movement and the maximum speed (see above) — the more powerful the motor, the more uniform the movement of the belt will be and the faster it can move. Also, motor 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 motor — that is, the power with which it can work for a long time without being subjected to overloads. In some models of treadmills, the so-called peak power — the power that the motor 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 specs — nominal or peak; this is especially true for high-power models.

— Workout time. In the simplest version, found in all models with this function, the calculation takes into account the time of one workout — from the moment the treadmill is turned on or the movement starts until it stops. More advanced models can sum up the total time or time for a certain period (for example, a week), count the time in the "target zone" (at the optimal speed and load mode), display the average training time, etc. The specific capabilities of the time counter should be specified in the documentation for each model.

— Distance. It is the distance conventionally covered by the athlete on the treadmill. Separate functions of such a display may differ from model to model, they may include both a simple counter that takes into account the distance from the moment the simulator was turned on, and the summation of distances for a certain period, the calculation of the average distance for a workout, the countdown of the distance to the desired value, etc.

— lap count. Displays the number of laps completed by the user on the conditional running track. The ability to simulate such tracks is found in some advanced models of treadmills, while such simulation may include changing the load in different sections. Lap count is more of a welcome addition than a necessity, but it can be quite handy.

— Speed. It is the conditional speed of the athlete on the treadmill, in fact, the speed of the movement of the treadmill belt. Models with this function can at least display the speed at the current time; and more advanced options include saving speed records, deriving the average speed for a workout, warning about exceeding/decreasing relative to the desired value, etc.

— Heart rate measurment.... The ability to display on the screen the heart rate of the athlete at the current moment of training. The heart rate is one of the most important parameters in training. The optimal heart rate values will be different depending on the goals — for example, for burning fat, the optimal rate will be lower than for training to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Also, there is the concept of the maximum allowable heart rate — it differs depending on age, gender, physique, etc. Exceeding this heart rate is fraught with health problems. Everyone can derive specific figures for the moments described for themselves using the formulas available in specialized sources, or check with specialists. We note that the vast majority of modern treadmills have the function of measuring the heart rate, but it can be implemented in different ways. In some versions, the sensors are placed on the handrail, you need to hold on to them with your hands during training; others may use remote sensors mounted on the arm, on the earlobe, etc. Also, the heart rate measurement may include additional functions — for example, an alarm about exceeding safe values.

— Recovery test. The ability to work the treadmill in the recovery test mode. This check allows you to determine the degree of fitness of the body, or, to put it more simply, whether the athlete is in good shape. The basis for the assessment is the ability to recover after physical exertion, and this ability is determined in this way: the treadmill measures the heart rate immediately after the test program, then after 1 minute, and displays the result based on the ratio of these data. The result is usually expressed in points, which can be deciphered using special tables; usually, such tables are included in the documentation set for the treadmill with the recovery test function.

— Calorie consumption. The ability to display on the screen of the treadmill information about calories spent for the time since the start of the workout. Note that the treadmill does not measure the energy spent by the athlete, the calculation is carried out as follows: the device takes the data stored in the memory about the approximate calorie consumption 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. However, if your goal is not professional sports, this accuracy is usually sufficient.

— Generated power. it is the amount of power that was transferred to the exercise treadmill 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 treadmill screen displays a workout schedule that conveniently records the intensity level and duration of the workout. The chart allows you to visually assess the amount of energy spent, and at the same time, calories burned, at various stages of the training. Additionally, it allows you to take control of the pace of the run. A decreasing or increasing schedule 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. This feature allows you to display body fat percentages. 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 treadmill electronics. By passing the discharge, the percentage of fat 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. Note that the use of a fat analyzer requires certain precautions to be observed: in particular, this function cannot be used by children, pregnant women, and people with electronic pacemakers. A complete set of such rules, usually, is prescribed in the documentation for the treadmill; before use, be sure to familiarize yourself with it and strictly adhere to it.

— 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. 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 treadmill 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). 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 are spent to support basic physiological processes in the body — it describes the amount of energy spent outside of training sessions when a person is at rest. BMR assessment is important when developing individual training programs. Additionally, the basal metabolism rate should be taken into account when compiling a diet.

— Room temperature. Displays the ambient temperature on the treadmill 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 train, and then adjust it accordingly before each session.

Under the dimensions of the belt in the specs of treadmills, they usually mean the dimensions of the working area — that is, the running deck within which the user's feet stay during training. Several points determine the optimal length and width of the belt.

The long treadmill length ensures safety — less likely to seriously stumble and fall out of rhythm. On the other hand, a long belt requires a more powerful motor, and the dimensions of the treadmills increase accordingly. With all this in mind, it is believed that the optimal length for home use is 120 – 130 cm; longer belts are designed for use in fitness centres and professional training.

Both safety and comfort when using the treadmill also depend on the width of the belt. This parameter is especially important for people of large build — on a narrow canvas, they can be “cramped”. On the other hand, as in the case of length, a large width means a large size of the treadmill itself. In general, entry-level models have a belt up to 40 cm, in more advanced treadmills there are options for 45 cm, and for professional use, this figure can reach 50 cm.

When choosing a treadmill according to the size of the belt, it is best not only to take into account all of the above, but also to try out the option that interests you before making a purchase. After all, a lot depends on personal characteristics and preferences, and a seemingly suitable treadmill may be small — or vice versa, a more...compact and inexpensive option is quite suitable.

The dimensions of the treadmill in the assembled state. It is important to note that more space is needed for the comfortable and proper operation of the treadmill.

The total weight of the treadmill when assembled.

All such treadmills are quite massive — models weighing up to 50 kg are considered light. And when choosing, it is worth considering that both small and significant weight have their advantages. So, lightweight designs are more convenient when moving, while weighty ones are more stable, often have more extensive functionality, and are also better suited for people with large body weight.