Comparison Pro-Form PF 5.0 ZLT vs Vigor XPL500

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 slowest speed at which the treadmill belt can move. This parameter is indicated only for electric models (see "Type"), as in other types, it depends solely on the user himself.

The ability to operate the blade at a low speed is important if strong loads are contraindicated — for example, during the rehabilitation period after injuries. In many modern models, this figure is only 1 km/h (despite the fact that the average walking speed of a healthy person is about 5 km/h). Thus, they can be used even in difficult cases, when normal walking is very difficult.

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 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.

— Training time. Show workout time on the treadmill display. 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 simulator 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. Displaying the distance conventionally covered by the user on the simulator. 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 indicator, etc.

— Number of circles. Displays the number of laps completed by the user on the conditional ring track. The ability to simulate such tracks is found in some advanced models of simulators, while such simulation may include changing the load in different sections. Lap counting is more of a welcome addition than a "necessity", but it can be qui...te handy when considering workloads.

— Speed. Displaying the conditional speed of the athlete on the treadmill, in fact, the speed of the movement of the simulator canvas. Models with this function are able to at least display the speed at the current time; and more advanced options include fixing speed records, deriving the average speed for a workout, warning about exceeding / decreasing relative to the desired indicator, etc.

— Measurement of the pulse. The ability to display on the screen the heart rate (pulse) of the athlete at the current moment of training. The pulse is one of the most important parameters in both everyday physical education and professional training. First, the optimal heart rate values will be different depending on the goals — for example, for burning fat, the optimal frequency will be lower than for training to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Secondly, there is the concept of the maximum allowable heart rate — it differs depending on age, gender, physique, etc.; Exceeding this frequency 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. Here we note that the vast majority of modern treadmills have the function of measuring the pulse, 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 measurement of the pulse 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 (aka "fitness test"). 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 simulator measures the pulse immediately after the test programme, 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 simulator with the recovery test function.

— 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. However, if your goal is not professional sports, this accuracy is usually sufficient.

— 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 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 expended, and at the same time calories burned, at various stages of the lesson. 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, in order to evenly distribute forces throughout the entire training programme. 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 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. 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 simulator; 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 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 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.

— 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.

The country from which the product brand originates. The brand in this case can be described as a general designation by which the goods of a particular manufacturer are known in the market. The country of its origin does not always coincide with the actual place of production of the product: to reduce the cost of production, many modern companies transfer it to other countries. It is quite normal for products, for example, of an American or German brand, to be made in Taiwan or Turkey. Contrary to popular belief, this in itself does not lead to a decrease in the quality of the goods — it all depends on how carefully the brand owner controls the production. And many companies, especially large and "famous", monitor the quality very zealously — after all, their reputation depends on it.

Under the dimensions of the canvas in the characteristics of treadmills, they usually mean the dimensions of the working area — that is, the platform within which the user's legs stay during training. There are a number of points that determine the optimal length and width of the canvas.

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

Both safety and comfort when using the simulator also depend on the width of the canvas; 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 simulator itself. In general, entry-level models have a canvas up to 40 cm, in more advanced tracks there are options for 45 cm, and for professional use this figure can reach 50 cm.

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

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